Bill Belichick steps onto the college stage for the first time Monday night as North Carolina hosts TCU in the curtain-closing clash of Week 1.
After a legendary NFL career that produced a 302-165 record—most of it built during his dynasty years with the New England Patriots (266-121)—the six-time Super Bowl-winning coach now takes the reins in Chapel Hill.
The challenge won’t be a soft landing. TCU, fresh off a 9-4 campaign in 2024 that included a 6-3 Big 12 finish, proved tough on the road with a 4-2 mark away from home. The Tar Heels, meanwhile, stumbled to 6-7 last fall and managed only three victories in seven games at Kenan Stadium.
Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch the North Carolina vs TCU NCAAF game, plus plenty more.
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North Carolina vs TCU: Date and kick-off time
The Tar Heels will take on the TCU in a highly anticipated NCAAF game on Monday, September 1, 2025, at 8:00 pm ET or 5:00 pm PT at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. North Carolina.
| Date | Monday, September 1, 2025 |
| kick-off Time | 8:00 pm ET or 5:00 pm PT |
| Venue | Kenan Stadium |
| Location | Chapel Hill, N.C. North Carolina |
How to watch North Carolina vs TCU on TV & stream live online
- TV channel: ESPN
- Streaming service: Fubo
Streaming the game with a VPN
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North Carolina vs TCU team news & key players
North Carolina Tar Heels team news
Belichick’s new-look Tar Heels will counter with transfer quarterback Gio Lopez, who arrives from South Alabama. A proven dual threat, Lopez threw for over 3,000 yards and 22 touchdowns across two seasons with the Jaguars, including 2,559 yards and 18 scores in 2024 alone. He also added 465 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, giving UNC a versatile weapon under center.
Among his top targets is senior Kobe Paysour, who posted 365 yards on 21 receptions last season. A deep-ball threat, Paysour averaged 17.4 yards per catch and had his best game with 93 yards against James Madison.
TCU Horned Frogs team news
For the Horned Frogs, junior quarterback Josh Hoover returns to lead the offense after a breakout 2024. He lit up defenses with 3,949 passing yards and 27 touchdowns against just 11 interceptions while adding four rushing scores. His season highlights included a 402-yard, four-touchdown performance in a narrow 35-34 loss to UCF, and a strong New Mexico Bowl outing where he tossed four TDs in a 34-3 rout of Louisiana.
Helping power that passing game is senior wideout Eric McAlister, entering year two in Fort Worth. He hauled in 39 passes for 762 yards (a staggering 19.5 yards per grab) and five touchdowns last season. McAlister was at his best when it mattered most, posting 87 yards and a score in the bowl win and torching Kansas for 100 yards and a touchdown earlier in the year.