College Sports

UNC battered by TCU in Belichick’s first game leading the Tar Heels

By Robert Willett Ethan Hyman
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick walks back to the sideline after huddling with the team during the first half of UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025.
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick walks back to the sideline after huddling with the team during the first half of UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

The University of North Carolina Tar Heels took the field for their first game under head coach Bill Belichick as they faced the Horned Frogs of TCU in Chapel Hill, NC, Monday night, Sept. 1, 2025.

The Tar Heels scored first, and TCU responded and dominated the game, winning 48-14.

See photos from the game below:

North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick reacts after the Tar Heels were called for a penalty during the first half of UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025.
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick reacts after the Tar Heels were called for a penalty during the first half of UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick walks to mid-field to congratulate Texas Christian University head coach Sonny Dykes following the Horned Frogs’ 48-14 victory on Monday, September 1, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick walks to mid-field to congratulate Texas Christian University head coach Sonny Dykes following the Horned Frogs’ 48-14 victory on Monday, September 1, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick congratulates Texas Christian University head coach Sonny Dykes following the Horned Frogs’ 48-14 victory on Monday, September 1, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick congratulates Texas Christian University head coach Sonny Dykes following the Horned Frogs’ 48-14 victory on Monday, September 1, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick congratulates Texas Christian University head coach Sonny Dykes following the Horned Frogs’ 48-14 victory on Monday, September 1, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick congratulates Texas Christian University head coach Sonny Dykes following the Horned Frogs’ 48-14 victory on Monday, September 1, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina quarterback Max Johnson (14) throws during the second half of UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025.
North Carolina quarterback Max Johnson (14) throws during the second half of UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Fans leave the stadium early in the fourth quarter during UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025.
Fans leave the stadium early in the fourth quarter during UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina quarterback Gio Lopez (7) fumbles the ball while being sacked by TCU linebacker Namdi Obiazor (4) during the second half of UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. Lopez was injured on the play.
North Carolina quarterback Gio Lopez (7) fumbles the ball while being sacked by TCU linebacker Namdi Obiazor (4) during the second half of UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. Lopez was injured on the play. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina quarterback Gio Lopez (7) looks for an open receiver in the third quarter against TCU on Monday, September 1, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina quarterback Gio Lopez (7) looks for an open receiver in the third quarter against TCU on Monday, September 1, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina quarterback Andres Miyares Jr. reacts after Texas Christian scored to take a 41-7 lead over the Tar Heels in the third quarter on Monday, September 1, 2025 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina quarterback Andres Miyares Jr. reacts after Texas Christian scored to take a 41-7 lead over the Tar Heels in the third quarter on Monday, September 1, 2025 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Down 41-7 in the third quarter to Texas Christian, North Carolina coach Bill Belichick glances at quarterbacks coach Matt Lombardi on Monday, September 1, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Down 41-7 in the third quarter to Texas Christian, North Carolina coach Bill Belichick glances at quarterbacks coach Matt Lombardi on Monday, September 1, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick walks off the field at the end of the first half during UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025.
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick walks off the field at the end of the first half during UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
TCU running back Kevorian Barnes (2) gains yards during the first half of UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025.
TCU running back Kevorian Barnes (2) gains yards during the first half of UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina defensive back Coleman Bryson (16) breaks up a pass intended for TCU tight end Chase Curtis (81) during the first half of UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025.
North Carolina defensive back Coleman Bryson (16) breaks up a pass intended for TCU tight end Chase Curtis (81) during the first half of UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Texas Christian University safety Austin Jordan (1) breaks up a pass intended for North Carolina wide receiver Jordan Shipp (1) in the second quarter on Monday, September 1, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Texas Christian University safety Austin Jordan (1) breaks up a pass intended for North Carolina wide receiver Jordan Shipp (1) in the second quarter on Monday, September 1, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
TCU quarterback Josh Hoover (10) looks for a receiver downfield during the first half of UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025.
TCU quarterback Josh Hoover (10) looks for a receiver downfield during the first half of UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
TCU safety Bud Clark (21) intercepts the ball intended for North Carolina wide receiver Jordan Shipp (1) during the first half of UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. Clark returned the ball for a touchdown.
TCU safety Bud Clark (21) intercepts the ball intended for North Carolina wide receiver Jordan Shipp (1) during the first half of UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. Clark returned the ball for a touchdown. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina running back Benjamin Hall (28) breaks open through the TCU defense for a 10 yard gain in the second quarter on Monday, September 1, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina running back Benjamin Hall (28) breaks open through the TCU defense for a 10 yard gain in the second quarter on Monday, September 1, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick watches from the sidelines in the third quarter against Texas Christian University on Monday, September 1, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick watches from the sidelines in the third quarter against Texas Christian University on Monday, September 1, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina defensive lineman Leroy Jackson (91) reacts after stopping Texas Christian running back Kevorian Barnes (2) in the first quarter on Monday, September 1, 2025 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina defensive lineman Leroy Jackson (91) reacts after stopping Texas Christian running back Kevorian Barnes (2) in the first quarter on Monday, September 1, 2025 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick congratulates quarterback Gio Lopez (7) after the Tar Heels scored in the first half of UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025.
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick congratulates quarterback Gio Lopez (7) after the Tar Heels scored in the first half of UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina defensive back Kaleb Cost (21) celebrates intercepting the ball during the first half of UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025.
North Carolina defensive back Kaleb Cost (21) celebrates intercepting the ball during the first half of UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina running back Caleb Hood (4) scores a touchdown on an eight yard run in the first quarter to take a 7-0 lead over TCU on Monday, September 1, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina running back Caleb Hood (4) scores a touchdown on an eight yard run in the first quarter to take a 7-0 lead over TCU on Monday, September 1, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina running back Caleb Hood (4) reacts after scoring a touchdown on an eight yard run in the first quarter to take a 7-0 lead over TCU on Monday, September 1, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina running back Caleb Hood (4) reacts after scoring a touchdown on an eight yard run in the first quarter to take a 7-0 lead over TCU on Monday, September 1, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina wide receiver Jordan Shipp (1) makes the reception in front of TCU safety Jamel Johnson (2) during the first half of UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025.
North Carolina wide receiver Jordan Shipp (1) makes the reception in front of TCU safety Jamel Johnson (2) during the first half of UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick cross South Road as he and the team head towards Kenan Stadium during the Old Well Walk before UNC’s game against TCU in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025.
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick cross South Road as he and the team head towards Kenan Stadium during the Old Well Walk before UNC’s game against TCU in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Fans cheer North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick as he and the team walk towards Kenan Stadium during the Old Well Walk before UNC’s game against TCU in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025.
Fans cheer North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick as he and the team walk towards Kenan Stadium during the Old Well Walk before UNC’s game against TCU in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick walks towards Kenan Stadium during the Old Well Walk before UNC’s game against TCU in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025.
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick walks towards Kenan Stadium during the Old Well Walk before UNC’s game against TCU in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Jordono Hudson stands at the end zone as the North Carolina warms up before UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025.
Jordono Hudson stands at the end zone as the North Carolina warms up before UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina quarterback Gio Lopez (7) warms up for the Tar Heels’ season opening game against Texas Christian University on Monday, September 1, 2025 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina quarterback Gio Lopez (7) warms up for the Tar Heels’ season opening game against Texas Christian University on Monday, September 1, 2025 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina quarterbacks coach Matt Lombardi talks with starting quarterback Gio Lopez (7) prior to the Tar Heels’ season opening game against Texas Christian University on Monday, September 1, 2025 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina quarterbacks coach Matt Lombardi talks with starting quarterback Gio Lopez (7) prior to the Tar Heels’ season opening game against Texas Christian University on Monday, September 1, 2025 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Jordon Hudson stands on the sidelines as the North Carolina warms up before UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025.
Jordon Hudson stands on the sidelines as the North Carolina warms up before UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Jordon Hudson talks to North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick as the team warms up before UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025.
Jordon Hudson talks to North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick as the team warms up before UNC’s game against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina offensive line coach Will Friend works with his unit prior to the Tar Heels’ season opening game against Texas Christian University on Monday, September 1, 2025 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina offensive line coach Will Friend works with his unit prior to the Tar Heels’ season opening game against Texas Christian University on Monday, September 1, 2025 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

This story was originally published September 1, 2025 at 7:53 PM with the headline "UNC battered by TCU in Belichick’s first game leading the Tar Heels."

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