UNC football 2026 season record predictions

The 2026 college football season is finally here. To kick things off in Week 0, the North Carolina Tar Heels and TCU Horned Frogs will meet in Ireland in a rematch of last season's Week 1 game.

TCU destroyed the Tar Heels in that game after falling behind 7-0. That set the tone for the rest of the season as it was a disaster for the Tar Heels under Bill Belichick. Now, entering year two the program needs to see results and avoid a season like last year.

But easier said than done. We here at Tar Heels Wire are giving our season predictions ahead of the Week 0 opener and what we think will happen for the program.

Zack Pearson

Record prediction: 3-9

The Tar Heels' roster improved, but they have a brutal schedule this year. They will face off against Miami, Clemson and Louisville this season as well as host Notre Dame. Even their non-conference matchup against UConn is no gimme either. I can't see them winning six games and I think this could get real ugly in Chapel Hill.

Bold prediction: Travis Burgess takes over at quarterback and shines. He will be one of the biggest bright spots for UNC as he will take over at quarterback at some point this season.

Aidan Jensen

Record prediction: 6-6

UNC finishes its 2026 season at 6-6, responding with a tough schedule to reach bowl eligibility. The Tar Heels start their campaign with five wins through October, but slide to another tough finish. North Carolina upsets UConn in Storrs to obtain its sixth win, then loses three straight to end November. Billy Edwards re-discovers his groove as starting quarterback, Demon June turns into one of the country's top backs, and defense finds a way to hold its own without Steve Belichick.

Bold prediction: UNC upsets Clemson in its ACC opener and wins its first bowl game since 2019.

Grant Chachere

Record prediction: 3-9

UNC does bring back key offensive players in wide receiver Jordan Shipp and running back Demon June, but there are still question marks at QB and the O-Line. Plus, outside of Shipp, who can you rely on? Offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino will improve this offense, but you can only handle so much if your players aren’t good enough.

While the defensive line is one of the best in the ACC, you are replacing a lot of experience in the linebacker corps and the secondary. It also doesn’t help that DC Steve Belichick is not coaching right now due to health issues and who knows how long he’s out, especially when the month of September is UNC’s toughest stretch of its schedule.

This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC football 2026 season record predictions