The 2026 University of North Carolina Tar Heels football schedule features 12 games, including a neutral-site season opener against TCU in Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Bill Belichick enters his second season as head coach following a 4-8 record in 2025.
Table of Contents
Complete 2026 UNC Football Schedule
The North Carolina Tar Heels compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference and play eight ACC opponents plus four non-conference teams in 2026.
| Date | Opponent | Location | Venue | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, August 29, 2026 | TCU | Dublin, Ireland | Aviva Stadium | Neutral |
| Saturday, September 12, 2026 | East Tennessee State | Chapel Hill, NC | Kenan Stadium | Home |
| Saturday, September 19, 2026 | at Clemson | Clemson, SC | Memorial Stadium | ACC Away |
| Saturday, October 3, 2026 | Notre Dame | Chapel Hill, NC | Kenan Stadium | Home |
| Saturday, October 10, 2026 | at Pitt | Pittsburgh, PA | Acrisure Stadium | ACC Away |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | at Duke | Durham, NC | Wallace Wade Stadium | ACC Away |
| Saturday, October 24, 2026 | Syracuse | Chapel Hill, NC | Kenan Stadium | ACC Home |
| Saturday, October 31, 2026 | Miami | Chapel Hill, NC | Kenan Stadium | ACC Home |
| Saturday, November 7, 2026 | at UConn | East Hartford, CT | Rentschler Field | Away |
| Saturday, November 14, 2026 | Louisville | Chapel Hill, NC | Kenan Stadium | ACC Home |
| Saturday, November 21, 2026 | at Virginia | Charlottesville, VA | Scott Stadium | ACC Away |
| Saturday, November 28, 2026 | NC State | Chapel Hill, NC | Kenan Stadium | ACC Home |
Schedule Breakdown by Location
UNC plays six home games at Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels travel to four ACC road venues and one non-conference site at UConn. The season opens at a neutral location in Dublin, Ireland.
Home Games (6): East Tennessee State, Notre Dame, Syracuse, Miami, Louisville, NC State
Away Games (5): Clemson, Pitt, Duke, Virginia, UConn
Neutral Site (1): TCU in Dublin, Ireland
UNC Football Schedule 2026: Key Matchups
International Season Opener: TCU in Dublin
North Carolina opens the 2026 season against Texas Christian University at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday, August 29, 2026. This marks the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, bringing the Tar Heels to international competition for the first time in program history.
Aviva Stadium holds 51,700 spectators and serves as Ireland’s national stadium. The TCU Horned Frogs finished 8-5 in 2025 after defeating UNC 48-14 in the 2025 season opener.
Notre Dame Returns to Chapel Hill
The Fighting Irish visit Kenan Stadium on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in the marquee non-conference home game. Notre Dame and North Carolina have met 16 times historically, with the Fighting Irish holding a 13-3 advantage in the series.
ACC Conference Slate
UNC faces eight Atlantic Coast Conference opponents in 2026 under the league’s scheduling format. The Tar Heels host four conference games and travel to four ACC venues.
Home ACC Games:
- Syracuse (October 24)
- Miami (October 31)
- Louisville (November 14)
- NC State (November 28)
Road ACC Games:
- Clemson (September 19)
- Pitt (October 10)
- Duke (October 17)
- Virginia (November 21)
Traditional Rivalry Games
NC State (November 28, 2026)
North Carolina closes the regular season against NC State at Kenan Stadium on Friday, November 28, 2026. The Wolfpack has won five consecutive meetings in the series, including a 42-19 victory in 2025. UNC leads the all-time series 68-40-6.
Duke (October 17, 2026)
The Tar Heels travel to Durham to face Duke at Wallace Wade Stadium on Saturday, October 17, 2026. The winner claims the Victory Bell, awarded annually since 1948. This Tobacco Road rivalry represents one of college football’s oldest continuous series.
Bill Belichick’s Second Season at North Carolina
Bill Belichick completed his first season as UNC head coach in 2025 with a 4-8 overall record and 2-6 ACC mark. The six-time Super Bowl champion transitioned from the NFL to college football in December 2024 after Mack Brown’s dismissal.
2025 Season Performance Statistics
| Category | UNC | Opponents |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 19.25 | 24.50 |
| Total Offense | 289.2 yards | 336.9 yards |
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 105.3 | 125.7 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 183.9 | 211.3 |
| Third Down Conversion % | 36.94% | 42.35% |
| Turnover Margin | -3 (15 lost) | +3 (9 lost) |
The Tar Heels struggled offensively in 2025, averaging 19.25 points per game while allowing 24.50 points. UNC ranked 12th in the ACC in scoring offense and 10th in total offense.
Roster Rebuild Through Transfer Portal
North Carolina added 39 new players for the 2026 season, including significant transfer portal acquisitions during the January 2-16, 2026 window. Key additions include quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (transfer) and multiple tight end transfers from Ohio State and Texas.
The coaching staff features Steve Belichick as defensive coordinator and Bobby Petrino as offensive coordinator. Both coordinators followed Bill Belichick from professional football backgrounds.
Kenan Memorial Stadium Information
Kenan Stadium currently seats 50,500 spectators following recent renovations that replaced bleacher seating with individual seats. The capacity decreased from the previous 63,000 to prioritize comfort and premium amenities.
The stadium returned to natural grass in 2025 at the request of the Belichick coaching staff. Located in Chapel Hill at coordinates 35.904°N, 79.048°W, Kenan Memorial Stadium has served as UNC’s home venue since 1927.
Home Game Attendance 2025
UNC averaged 50,500 attendance for six home games in 2025, filling Kenan Stadium to capacity. The largest crowd was 50,500 for multiple games, including the Clemson matchup on October 4, 2025.
UNC Football Strength of Schedule 2026
North Carolina faces 11 opponents who finished with winning records in the previous season. This represents one of the most challenging schedules in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Notable Opponents by 2025 Record
- Clemson: 9-4 overall, 7-1 ACC
- Miami: 10-3 overall, 6-2 ACC
- Notre Dame: 10-3 overall (Independent)
- NC State: 9-4 overall, 5-3 ACC
- Louisville: 8-5 overall, 5-3 ACC
- Syracuse: 8-5 overall, 4-4 ACC
Road Game Challenges
The Tar Heels travel to Clemson’s Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 19, 2026, for their first ACC road test. Clemson holds a 42-10-1 all-time advantage over North Carolina and won 38-10 in their 2025 meeting.
Duke hosts UNC on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Wallace Wade Stadium. The Blue Devils defeated the Tar Heels 32-25 in 2025, extending recent competitive balance in the rivalry.
UNC Football Tickets 2026
Season ticket information and single-game ticket sales for the 2026 UNC football schedule are available through the University of North Carolina Athletics Department. Student tickets follow separate distribution processes through the university.
High-Demand Games
- Notre Dame (October 3): First Fighting Irish visit to Kenan Stadium since 2008
- Miami (October 31): Halloween night matchup against a Top 25 opponent
- NC State (November 28): Regular-season finale and Senior Day
- TCU in Dublin (August 29): International neutral-site opener
Stadium Seating Sections
Kenan Stadium features lower bowl seating, upper deck sections, and premium club areas. The recent renovation added individual seat backs throughout the stadium and expanded premium hospitality spaces.
TV Broadcast and Streaming Information
Television networks and kickoff times for the 2026 UNC football schedule will be announced in March-April 2026. The Atlantic Coast Conference maintains broadcast partnerships with ESPN, ABC, and the ACC Network.
Expected Broadcast Patterns
ACC football games typically air on:
- ABC: High-profile weekend afternoon games
- ESPN/ESPN2: Evening and night games
- ACC Network: Conference matchups throughout the day
- ESPNU: Select weekday and afternoon games
The NC State rivalry game on Friday, November 28, 2026, typically receives primetime placement on ESPN or ABC based on historical scheduling patterns.
UNC Football Schedule FAQs 2026
When does UNC football start in 2026?
UNC football begins Saturday, August 29, 2026, with a neutral-site game against TCU at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland.
How many home games does UNC have in 2026?
North Carolina plays six home games at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill during the 2026 season.
Does UNC play NC State in 2026?
Yes, UNC faces NC State on Friday, November 28, 2026, at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill as the regular season finale.
Where can I download the UNC 2026 schedule PDF?
The official printable UNC football schedule PDF is available at goheels.com, the University of North Carolina Athletics Department website.
What time are UNC football games in 2026?
Kickoff times for 2026 UNC football games have not been announced yet. The Atlantic Coast Conference typically releases game times in March-April 2026, approximately 12 days before each game, for flexibility in television scheduling.
Is UNC playing Clemson in 2026?
Yes, North Carolina travels to Clemson on Saturday, September 19, 2026, for an ACC conference game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina.
How hard is UNC’s 2026 football schedule?
UNC’s 2026 schedule ranks among the most difficult in the ACC, with 11 opponents who posted winning records in 2025. The Tar Heels face five teams that finished with nine or more wins: Clemson (9-4), Miami (10-3), Notre Dame (10-3), NC State (9-4), and Louisville (8-5).
Which UNC games are ACC conference games?
Eight games count as ACC conference matchups: Clemson, Pitt, Duke, Syracuse, Miami, Louisville, Virginia, and NC State. The non-conference games include TCU, East Tennessee State, Notre Dame, and UConn.
Printable UNC Football Schedule 2026
North Carolina Athletics provides downloadable schedule formats, including PDF calendars, wallet cards, and digital calendar imports. Fans can add the complete 2026 Tar Heels football schedule to Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, or Outlook using iCal format files available at goheels.com.
Schedule Download Options
- Full Season PDF: Printable schedule with dates, opponents, and locations
- Calendar Import (iCal): One-click addition to digital calendars
- Mobile Wallpaper: Phone background with schedule information
- Poster Format: Large-format printable for display
UNC Football 2026 Season Outlook
The Tar Heels enter Bill Belichick’s second season needing significant improvement after finishing 4-8 in 2025. UNC requires six victories to achieve bowl eligibility.
Path to Bowl Eligibility
North Carolina must win six of 12 games to qualify for a bowl game. Potential victories include:
Likely Wins:
- East Tennessee State (FCS opponent)
- UConn (transitional program)
Competitive Games:
- Syracuse (home)
- Louisville (home)
- Pitt (away)
- Duke (rivalry, away)
Challenging Matchups:
- TCU (neutral site)
- Notre Dame (home)
- Clemson (away)
- Miami (home)
- Virginia (away)
- NC State (home)
Key Position Battles 2026
Quarterback competition features incoming transfer Billy Edwards Jr. competing with returning players. The offensive line adds depth through recruiting and transfer additions after allowing 22 sacks in 2025.
Defensively, North Carolina returns linebacker Khmori House (81 tackles in 2025) and defensive lineman Melkart Abou-Jaoude (47 tackles, 10.5 sacks). The secondary requires rebuilding after allowing 211.3 passing yards per game in 2025.
Historical Context: UNC Football Program
The University of North Carolina football program began in 1888 and competes as a charter member of the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Tar Heels have won five ACC championships (1971, 1972, 1977, 1980, 2015) and appeared in 37 bowl games.
Recent Coaching History
- Mack Brown (2019-2024): 44-33 record, including 35-27 from 2019-2024 second tenure
- Larry Fedora (2012-2018): 45-43 record
- Butch Davis (2007-2011): 28-23 record
Bill Belichick represents the first NFL head coach with six Super Bowl championships to transition directly to a college program.
ACC Conference Standings Implications
North Carolina’s 2026 schedule affects Atlantic Coast Conference divisional races and championship game qualification. The ACC eliminated divisions starting in 2024, with the top two teams in the conference standings meeting in the ACC Championship Game.
Tiebreaker Scenarios
ACC tiebreakers follow this order:
- Head-to-head competition
- Win percentage versus common conference opponents
- Win percentage versus the highest-placed common conference opponent
- Combined conference win percentage of all conference opponents
- Total scoring margin versus conference opponents
- Random draw
UNC’s games against Clemson, Miami, and NC State carry significant weight in conference standings calculations.
Travel and Game Day Information
Dublin, Ireland Trip (August 29, 2026)
The TCU neutral-site game requires international travel for fans attending in person. Aviva Stadium is located in Dublin 4, approximately 4 kilometers from Dublin city center.
Travel Considerations:
- Flight time from Raleigh-Durham International: 8-9 hours
- Game time likely 9:00 AM ET / 2:00 PM Irish Standard Time
- Ticket allocation through the UNC Athletics Department
- Hotel packages available through official travel partners
Chapel Hill Game Day Parking
Kenan Stadium parking includes:
- Blue Zone: Close-proximity parking near stadium entrances
- Ram Village: Satellite parking with shuttle service
- Cardinal/Morehead: Premium parking adjacent to tailgating areas
- Friday Center: Remote parking with continuous shuttle service
Parking passes go on sale in the summer of 2026 through the UNC Athletics Department website.
UNC Football Recruiting Impact
The 2026 recruiting class ranks 11th nationally according to recruiting services as of January 2026. Key commitments include 4-star quarterback Will Griffin and offensive lineman Jakai Moore.
Transfer Portal Strategy
North Carolina added 39 new players for 2026, utilizing the transfer portal to address immediate roster needs. This represents Belichick’s emphasis on experienced college athletes over high school recruits in year two of his tenure.
The January 2-16, 2026, transfer portal window provided opportunities to add graduate transfers with remaining eligibility.
2026 Season Predictions and Analysis
Bowl projection models rate North Carolina between 4-8 and 7-5 for the 2026 season. The challenging schedule limits upside, while roster improvements through the transfer portal provide a higher floor than 2025’s 4-8 finish.
Win Probability by Game
Based on opponent strength and location:
| Opponent | Projected Win % |
|---|---|
| East Tennessee State | 95% |
| UConn | 75% |
| Syracuse | 60% |
| Louisville | 55% |
| Duke | 50% |
| Pitt | 45% |
| TCU (neutral) | 40% |
| Virginia | 40% |
| NC State | 35% |
| Notre Dame | 25% |
| Miami | 20% |
| Clemson | 15% |
Expected win total: 5.5 games (range: 4-7 wins)
ACC Finish Projection
UNC projects to finish 7th-10th in the ACC standings with an expected 3-5 conference record. The Tar Heels face uphill battles against top-tier ACC opponents Clemson and Miami while competing for wins against middle-tier programs Syracuse, Louisville, and Pitt.
Official Sources:
- University of North Carolina Athletics: goheels.com
- Atlantic Coast Conference: theacc.com
- NCAA Football: ncaa.com
