Earlier this month, North Carolina made a bold move by hiring Bill Belichick as its next head coach. The Tar Heels, in a daring leap of faith, have tapped into the mind of an eight-time Super Bowl-winning coach, hoping he can lift UNC out of its cycle of mediocrity. With Belichick at the helm, fans are buzzing with anticipation about what the future holds for Tar Heel football.
UNC football record 2024
The Tar Heels had a rollercoaster of a season in 2024, ultimately finishing with a 6-6 record. After a promising start, winning their first three games, the team faced a tough stretch, dropping four consecutive games to James Madison, Duke, Pitt, and Georgia Tech. The season teetered on the edge of bowl eligibility, but UNC managed to secure three straight victories against Virginia, Florida State, and Wake Forest. However, the season ended on a sour note, with losses to Boston College and NC State. This 6-6 finish marked the worst record at Chapel Hill since the Tar Heels went 6-7 in 2021.
Recruitment in full swing
Even though Belichick has only been on the job for a few weeks, college football recruiting never takes a break. December is a critical month in the recruiting calendar, featuring the Early Signing Period and the transfer portal, which closes on December 28. With this bustling activity, Belichick is already making waves in the recruiting scene.
So far, the Tar Heels have successfully snagged several key players from the transfer portal since Belichick’s hiring on December 11. Let’s take a closer look at the new additions to his 2025 roster.
Bill Belichick UNC transfer portal tracker
The Tar Heels have welcomed a few promising players from the portal, each bringing their unique talents to the team.
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LB Khmori House, via Washington: As a true freshman for the Huskies in 2024, House made a name for himself with 35 total tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception.
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OL Christo Kelly, via Holy Cross: With five years of collegiate experience, Kelly started all 12 games in 2024, earning team captain status and All-Patriot League first team honors.
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WR Aziah Johnson, via Michigan State: Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, Johnson had a solid season with 16 receptions for 276 yards and two touchdowns for the Spartans in 2024.
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OT Miles McVay, via Alabama: McVay, who joined Alabama’s 2023 recruiting class, took a redshirt in 2024 and still has three seasons of eligibility left.
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EDGE rusher Melkart Abou-Jaoude, via Delaware: Over the past two seasons, Abou-Jaoude recorded 48 total tackles and 8.5 sacks, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
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QB Ryan Browne, via Purdue: Browne threw for 636 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions over the last two seasons with the Boilermakers.
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OT Chad Lindberg, via Rice: Starting his career at Georgia, Lindberg played in all 11 games for Rice last season, adding depth to the offensive line.
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DL CJ Mims, via ECU: Mims contributed 37 total tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles over two seasons with the Pirates.
- TE Connor Cox, via South Carolina: Cox had a quiet season with just one reception for a nine-yard touchdown, but he brings experience from a competitive SEC program.
UNC recruiting class for 2025
Despite losing three blue-chip recruits in the fall, Belichick has managed to retain most of the 2025 recruiting class that former coach Mack Brown assembled. The highlight of this class is four-star quarterback Bryce Baker, who signed with the Tar Heels earlier this month. Baker, ranked as the No. 8 signal-caller in his class, had committed to UNC in June 2023 but took a visit to Penn State in late November.
The class also includes several three-star prospects, such as edge rusher Austin Alexander, safety Javion Butts, defensive lineman Devin Ancrum, and offensive lineman Byron Nelson. With National Signing Day on the horizon, Belichick is likely to add more talent to the 2025 class.
Keeping key players in the fold
As Belichick settles into his new role, he has already seen some positive developments with the current roster. Two offensive linemen, Aidan Banfield and Austin Blaske, who initially entered the transfer portal, have decided to stay with the Tar Heels following Belichick’s hiring. Both players were instrumental in protecting starting quarterback Jacolby Criswell, who threw for 2,452 yards with 15 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2024.
Additionally, receiver Kobe Paysour, who finished fourth on the team with 19 receptions for 330 yards, also withdrew his name from the portal after Belichick’s arrival. On the defensive side, linebacker Amare Campbell, who was third on the team with 72 tackles and 6.5 sacks, has chosen to remain with the program.
As the Tar Heels prepare for the future under Belichick’s guidance, the excitement is palpable. With a mix of new talent and returning players, UNC’s football program is poised for a transformative season ahead. Will Belichick’s NFL experience translate into success on the college gridiron? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Tar Heel faithful are ready for a thrilling ride.
