Bill Belichick's arrival at North Carolina has flipped the script on the program’s future, making any long-term predictions a tough ask. But the early signs are encouraging, recruiting has picked up, the 2025 schedule is favorable, and the Tar Heels are building around a reshaped roster.
Belichick’s staff features his sons, ex-UConn coach Bob Diaco, and former Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens, the lone holdover. At quarterback, Gio Lopez, a dual-threat transfer from South Alabama, looks set to lead the offense after Jacolby Criswell's departure. Max Johnson, back from injury, could also factor in.
Looking forward to watching the Tar Heels' NCAAF regular season games? Please read our guide below to find out which TV channels and streaming services you need to watch every North Carolina game throughout the season.
North Carolina Tar Heels @ California Golden Bears: Kickoff Time, How to Watch, Streaming Info & TV Broadcast
North Carolina Record: 2-3
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opponent | @ California Golden Bears |
| Date | Friday, October 17, 2025 |
| Time | 10:30 pm ET |
| Venue | California Memorial Stadium (Berkeley, California ) |
| TV Channel | ESPN, Fubo, DirecTV Stream |
North Carolina Tar Heels 2025 NCAAF regular season fixtures
Here is the list of the North Carolina Tar Heels NCAAF fixtures for the 2025 regular season:
| Opponent | Date & Time | Channel | DIRECTV | Fubo | Hulu | Sling | ESPN+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| @ California | Fri, Oct 17 10:30 PM | ESPN | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | - |
| Virginia | Sat, Oct 25 12:00 PM | TBA | - | - | - | - | - |
| @ Syracuse | Fri, Oct 31 7:30 PM | ESPN | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | - |
| Stanford | Sat, Nov 8 12:00 PM | TBA | - | - | - | - | - |
| @ Wake Forest | Sat, Nov 15 12:00 PM | TBA | - | - | - | - | - |
| Duke | Sat, Nov 22 12:00 PM | TBA | - | - | - | - | - |
| @ NC State | Sat, Nov 29 12:00 PM | TBA | - | - | - | - | - |
How to watch North Carolina Tar Heels NCAAF games for free (through antenna)
Looking for free ways to watch the North Carolina Tar Heels Games? Several North Carolina clashes can be watched for free using an over-the-air (OTA) antenna.
Antennas allow you to watch local channels like ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and The CW without requiring a TV subscription. Each year, these prominent broadcast stations feature numerous North Carolina games, including ACC Championship game. Thus, installing an OTA antenna is a cost-effective way to enjoy a wealth of football without incurring monthly fees.
Streaming TV fans should check out Fubo and DirecTV Stream, both of which usually offer free trial for new customers and availability on most major smart TV platforms. Check out our full Streaming Free Trials guide to learn more.
How to watch the 2025-26 North Carolina Tar Heels season without cable
Streaming services are rapidly becoming the primary method for fans to watch NFL games, thanks to a growing array of providers in the market.
There is a wide selection of streaming options available, ranging from those that offer specific broadcast packages, such as Prime Video and YouTube TV, to more flexible choices like Sling TV and Hulu Live TV, which allow users to customize their channel selection.
No cable or satellite TV subscription is needed. Start watching with a free trial.
How to watch North Carolina Tar Heels NCAAF regular season games on DirecTV
Absolutely! You can catch every North Carolina Tar Heels showdown on ABC, ACC Network, ESPN, and NBC through DIRECTV's MySports package, which sets you back $69.99 a month after a 5-day free trial. DIRECTV—formerly known as AT&T TV—recently gave its streaming service a fresh new identity but still packs a punch when it comes to live sports.
Subscribers get access to 91 channels, including an impressive roster of sports networks like ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, CBS Sports Network, FS1, Fox Sports 2, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, ACC Network, NFL Network, NBA TV, NHL Network, MLB Network, Golf Channel, Tennis Channel, TBS, TNT, truTV, and USA Network.
This is your one-stop destination for live college football and more.
With unlimited Cloud DVR storage and support for up to 20 simultaneous streams, DIRECTV makes sure no one in the house misses a play. Want even more DVR control? There's an option to upgrade for expanded features too—perfect for fans who like to rewatch the big moments on their own terms.
How to watch North Carolina Tar Heels NCAAF games on Sling TV
If you're looking to catch North Carolina Tar Heels football this season, Sling TV's Orange package with the Sports Extra add-on has you covered. Priced at $56.99/month, it includes the ACC Network, your go-to for all things North Carolina.
With Sling Orange, you'll get access to 30 core channels like ESPN, ESPN3, ESPN2, FS1, TBS, TNT, USA Network, NFL Network, and truTV. Want to dive deeper into the college football scene? The Sports Extra bundle—which costs $15/month (or just $11 if you're only on Orange or Blue)—unlocks more conference networks like ACC Network, ACC Network Extra, Big Ten Network, ESPNU, and SEC Network.
Every Sling subscriber can record up to 50 hours of content to the Cloud DVR, with an option to bump that up to 200 hours for an extra $5/month. Just note: Sling Orange only allows one stream at a time, so plan accordingly for game day watch parties.
How to watch North Carolina Tar Heels NCAAF games on Fubo TV (No. 1 Pick, Best overall sports streamer)
You can catch every North Carolina Tar Heels game live through Fubo's Pro Extra with Sports Plus bundle, which features ABC, ACC Network, ESPN, and NBC — all for $103.99/month after a 7-day free trial.
Fubo packs a punch with 150+ channels, including a stacked lineup of sports networks: ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, USA Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, ACC Network/Extra, CBS Sports Network, ESPNU, NFL Network, NFL RedZone, NBA TV, MLB Network, NHL Network, beIN Sports, and more. Whether it's college football Saturdays or primetime playoff battles, Fubo has you covered.
Subscribers get unlimited Cloud DVR storage to record every kickoff, buzzer-beater, and game-winner. Plus, up to 10 devices can stream simultaneously, with the option to add five more for $10/month — perfect for households that never miss a game.
Want to see the full lineup? Check out the complete Fubo channel list to make sure your favorites are included.
📢Get Your First Month of Fubo for Only $64.99 (normally $84.99) after your Free Trial
How to watch North Carolina Tar Heels NCAAF games on ESPN+
When it comes to college football coverage, ESPN is the undisputed heavyweight, airing a massive slate of games across its flagship channels—including ESPNU, the network's go-to hub for all things college sports.
Fans of ACC and SEC football can also tune in via ACC Network and SEC Network, both of which are available on Fubo, making it a reliable option for conference showdowns and marquee matchups.
However, not every game makes it to traditional TV. A growing number of matchups are exclusive to streaming, so if you’re a diehard fan who doesn’t want to miss a single snap, it’s worth adding ESPN+ to your lineup for $11.99/month. It's the ideal companion to Fubo for those looking to cover every yard of the college football season.
Which channels have the rights to college football?
College football fans across the U.S. have no shortage of ways to tune in, with a wide range of TV networks and streaming platforms carrying games throughout the season. Each conference has its own set of broadcast deals, meaning where you watch depends on who's playing.
Here's a quick rundown of how the broadcast rights are spread out across the college football landscape:
| Network | Conferences Broadcast |
|---|---|
| ABC | ACC, American, Big 12, SEC |
| ACC Network | ACC |
| Aspire | SWAC, CIAA |
| Big Ten Network | Big Ten |
| CBS | Big Ten, C-USA, MAC, Mountain West, NEC |
| Cox Sports Television | Southland |
| ESPN Network | ACC, American, Big 12, Big Sky, Big South-OVC, C-USA, Gulf South, Ivy League, KCAC, MAC, MEAC, MVC, NEC, SEC, SoCon, Southland, Sun Belt, SWAC, UAC |
| FloSports | CAA, SIAC |
| Fox | Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12, Mountain West |
| NBC | Big Ten |
| NFL Network | American, MAC, Sun Belt |
| truTV | Mountain West |
Some networks even hold exclusive rights to particular teams' home games. The CW, for instance, is the go-to spot for Oregon State and Washington State home fixtures, while NBC is the only place to catch Notre Dame when they're playing in South Bend.
And when it comes to the biggest games of the year? ESPN has locked down the rights to every College Football Playoff matchup through 2032, so if you're chasing championship glory, that's where you'll want to be.