UNC football 2025 schedule: Can’t miss game. Toughest stretch. Intriguing opponent

The upcoming 2025 season marks a new era for North Carolina football as legendary coach Bill Belichick takes the helm.

Introduced in December, Belichick’s hiring and the terms of his $50 million, five-year contract — which includes significant investments in the coaching staff and player revenue sharing — signals UNC’s bold commitment to becoming a powerhouse in college football.

Last season, the Tar Heels demonstrated promise but struggled with consistency, finishing 6-7.

Now, under Belichick’s guidance, expectations are sky-high. North Carolina Chancellor Lee H. Roberts has called this “a new era for Tar Heel football,” and fans are hopeful that one of the most accomplished coaches in NFL history can lead UNC to unprecedented success.

Can’t miss game

UNC vs. Clemson, Oct. 4: UNC opens its ACC schedule at Kenan Stadium against the reigning ACC Champion Clemson Tigers, led by Dabo Swinney. The matchup between two Hall of Fame coaches will be a pivotal test of Belichick’s impact and strategy against one of the conference’s strongest teams.

North Carolina is 1-9 in its last 10 games against Clemson, with this game offering a chance for the Tar Heels to end their six-game losing streak in the matchup.

Toughest stretch

The final stretch of the season, featuring Duke (Nov. 22) and N.C. State (Nov. 29) could be the toughest for North Carolina.

The rivalry game against Duke is especially significant with the added pressure of the rivalry. Furthermore, both teams will likely be fighting for positioning in the ACC standings, making this game crucial for UNC’s postseason aspirations and overall season.

Meanwhile, the rivalry game against N.C. State is equally important, with the Wolfpack finishing 3-5 in conference play but still managing to beat UNC last year.

Overall, these two games are pivotal for the Tar Heels as they aim to close the season strong — something the team has struggled with in recent years.

Easiest stretch

The easiest stretch appears to be Weeks 2-4, with matchups against Charlotte, Richmond and UCF.

These games should provide opportunities for the team to build confidence and chemistry against nonconference foes as they adapt to Belichick’s coaching style.

Notable nonconference game

UNC vs. TCU, Sept. 1: UNC’s prime-time Labor Day showdown against TCU on Sept. 1 marks the much-anticipated coaching debut of Belichick. The nationally televised game on ESPN will offer a high-stakes opportunity for the Tar Heels to showcase their new direction.

Facing a formidable Power 4 opponent, this matchup will set the tone for the 2025 season. A strong performance against TCU would not only boost team morale but also solidify UNC’s competitive aspirations under Belichick.

Come Labor Day, all eyes will be on Chapel Hill as the Tar Heels look to make a bold statement.

Filled with intrigue

UNC at N.C. State, Nov. 29: The intense rivalry between UNC and N.C. State reached a boiling point following the Wolfpack’s 35-30 victory at Kenan Stadium on Nov. 30 when the Wolfpack’s Davin Vann planted the “Tuffy” flag at midfield — sparking a scuffle in which players from both teams exchanged punches and shoves.

With Belichick now at the helm for UNC, the 2025 matchup promises even more drama.

“Bill Belichick can get it, too,” N.C. State quarterback CJ Bailey said during a pre-Military Bowl interview in December. “No matter who the coach is for UNC, we’re going to kick them… it means a lot I could play against Bill Belichick and meet him. But, shoot, if he comes to play, we gon’ kill ‘em.”

UNC SCHEDULE 2025

(*) - ACC games

What is the ACC scheduling model?

The ACC’s schedule model continues through 2030 with no divisions, featuring 17 schools, and including 68 annual conference matchups.

The top two teams based on conference winning percentage will compete in the ACC Football Championship Game on the first Saturday in December at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.

The format has each member institution play eight conference games per season, with all 17 teams playing each other at least twice in the seven-season span that began in 2024 — once at home and once on the road. The ACC’s 14 East Coast-based teams will play a total of three times each in California over the seven-year span that began in 2024 and none will travel west to California in back-to-back seasons.

The scheduling model protects 16 annual matchups: Boston College-Syracuse, Boston College-Pitt, Syracuse-Pitt, North Carolina-Virginia, North Carolina-Duke, North Carolina-NC State, NC State-Wake Forest, NC State-Duke, Duke-Wake Forest, Virginia Tech-Virginia, Florida State-Clemson, Miami-Florida State, Miami-Virginia Tech, Stanford-Cal, Stanford-SMU, and Cal-SMU.