North Carolina enters Bill Belichick’s second season with a 2-1 record after a season-opening win over TCU in Ireland and a dominant victory against East Tennessee State, offset by a road loss at Clemson. The Tar Heels’ 4.5 win total reflects a brutal remaining schedule featuring home games against Notre Dame and Miami plus road contests at Pittsburgh, Duke, Louisville, and North Carolina State. Roster turnover brought quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. and defensive reinforcements via the portal, while offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino aims to stabilize an attack that ranked near the middle of the FBS. Early defensive improvement and the easiest nonconference matchup have buoyed short-term sentiment, yet the combination of ACC road games and limited proven depth keeps trader expectations anchored near the line.