North Carolina Tar Heels Football: Phil Steele 2025 Forecast
With Bill Belichick entering his debut campaign at the helm of North Carolina, there is no scarcity of enigma surround the Tar Heels. Ahead of the season, college football expert Phil Steele let fans know what to expect from UNC, beginning with the team’s offense.
Offense
“In 2015 they lost Drake Maye. RB Omarion Hampton was back however simply one starter on the OLine. My computer system required 34.9 [points per game] and regardless of losing their starting QB in the opener they came close with 30.9 ppg,” Steele composed. “This year they lose Hampton, both QB’s and their top 3 WR’s however invested heavily in experienced transfer OL and have capable replacements. My computer calls for 401 [backyards per video game] and 31.1 ppg.”
North Carolina is essentially starting from scratch on offense. The team is only returning four starters from last season, and will have transfer quarterback Gio Lopez leading the offense.
Lopez moved to UNC this offseason after investing 2 years at South Alabama. In the 2024 campaign, Lopez was the team’s full-time starter, finishing 66% of his passes for 2,559 yards and 18 goals compared to simply five interceptions.
Lopez’s arm wasn’t his only hazard. He likewise collected 465 rushing backyards and 7 TDs on 85 carries. For his efforts, he was called an All-Sun Belt Honorable Reference.
North Carolina purchased its offensive line this offseason to make sure Lopez’s safety. Two of the Tar Heels’ leading five transfer signees stank linemen. Obviously, UNC didn’t just intensify its offense.
Defense
“Geoff Collins took control of as DC in ’24 and my computer called for them to enable 27 ppg and 371 ypg and they struck those numbers on the head allowing 28 ppg and 376 ypg!” Steele wrote. “Bill Belichick understands defense but they do lose all 7 beginners in advance from last year. I like the back 7 and they have a lots of transfers and ought to be enhanced.”
North Carolina’s defense is returning even less from last season, with simply 2 beginners running it back in Chapel Hill. Sadly, with Costs Belichick and his kid, Steve, calling the shots, it’s hard to think of the Tar Heels’ defense won’t succeed.
Costs Belichick fielded some of the best protective groups of perpetuity in the NFL, and a lot of experts are expecting his wisdom to transfer to the college game. Belichick added a number of essential defensive transfers this offseason, including cornerback Thaddeus Dixon and linebacker Andrew Simpson.
2025 Projection
Belichick will need the skilled transfers to step up and lead his reasonably green protective system. The Tar Heels’ season might effectively depend on it.
“NC has actually not won a bowl because 2019. Belichick signed a great deal of talent and solid coordinators. The Tar Heels also draw a favorable ACC schedule, dealing with most of the bottom teams and preventing Miami, SMU and Louisville,” Steele composed.
“A great part of their incoming transfers have little experience however Belichick develops players and puts them in the best areas. This is a wild card group in the ACC however off a losing season the Tar Heels are my # 6 The majority of Enhanced group and might be a surprise ACC competitor.”