The ACC dropped its full 2026 football schedule on Monday night, and with that, we now have the complete roadmap for Bill Belichick’s second season at the helm in Chapel Hill. And make no mistake - it’s a gauntlet.
The Tar Heels are staring down one of the toughest slates in the country, a true trial by fire for a program trying to find its footing under a legendary coach in a new era. Let’s break down what’s ahead.
August 29: vs. TCU (Dublin, Ireland)
For the second straight year, North Carolina opens its season against TCU - but this time, it’s across the Atlantic in Dublin. This Aer Lingus College Football Classic has quietly become a tone-setter for the season.
No team has made a bowl game after losing this contest since its inception. That’s a stat that should have UNC’s full attention.
While TCU isn’t the juggernaut it was a few years ago, this is still a Power Five opponent with talent. And given the rest of the schedule, this might be one of the more manageable matchups.
Bottom line: the Tar Heels need this one.
September 12: vs. East Tennessee State
After the long trip to Ireland and a much-needed bye week, UNC gets a breather. ETSU comes to Chapel Hill in what should be a confidence-building win.
There aren’t many “should wins” on this schedule, so the Tar Heels have to take care of business here. Style points won’t matter - just get the W and move on.
September 19: at Clemson
And here’s where the grind begins.
A road trip to Death Valley is never easy, but if you’re going to catch Clemson, this might be the year. The Tigers are replacing a host of key players, including quarterback Cade Klubnik.
Still, even in what was considered a down year, Clemson handled UNC with ease. The atmosphere will be electric, and the Tigers’ defense remains one of the most physical in the ACC.
This is a heavyweight fight early in the season.
October 3: vs. Notre Dame
Notre Dame rolls into Chapel Hill with one of the most complete rosters in college football. CJ Carr is back under center, and the Irish defense is stacked with returning talent.
This is arguably the toughest game on the Tar Heels’ entire schedule. If UNC can hang with Notre Dame or even pull off the upset, it could be a program-defining moment.
But make no mistake - this is a tall order.
October 10: at Pittsburgh
This one’s tricky.
Pitt isn’t the ACC powerhouse it once was, but the Panthers are far from pushovers. They’ve got Mason Heintschel leading the offense and enough returning firepower to make this a dangerous road test.
The Tar Heels can’t afford a letdown here, especially with the schedule tightening in the back half of the season.
October 17: at Duke
On paper, this is one of the more winnable games.
Duke is in rebuild mode after losing significant talent this offseason. But here’s the catch: the Blue Devils have beaten UNC two straight years.
That’s not just a rivalry stat - it’s a mental hurdle. If the Tar Heels are serious about making a bowl game, this is a must-win, plain and simple.
October 24: vs. Syracuse
Back at home, UNC faces a Syracuse team that’s young but improving. Steve Angeli returns at quarterback, and the Orange are a year older after a season of growing pains.
Still, this is a game the Tar Heels have to circle as a win. It won’t be a cakewalk, but playing in Chapel Hill gives them the edge they need.
October 31: vs. Miami
The Hurricanes have been a thorn in UNC’s side for years - but not recently. The Tar Heels have had Miami’s number since joining the ACC.
That said, this version of the ‘Canes might be the most talented team Miami has brought to Chapel Hill in a long time. They just played in the National Championship and, despite losing some key pieces, have reloaded through the transfer portal, including a potential upgrade at quarterback.
This one could be a shootout and is right up there with Notre Dame as one of the toughest matchups of the year.
November 7: at UConn
UNC steps outside the ACC for the last time this season with a trip to East Hartford.
UConn is entering a new era after Jim Mora Jr.’s departure, and Jason Candle steps in with a solid coaching pedigree. The Huskies were a consistent bowl team under Mora, and while there’s some uncertainty now, this is still a game the Tar Heels can’t afford to overlook.
It’s the kind of matchup that could swing bowl eligibility one way or the other.
November 14: vs. Louisville
Louisville is retooling after significant portal losses, but Jeff Brohm has shown he knows how to get the most out of his quarterbacks. Lincoln Kienholz may not be a sure thing, but there’s plenty of upside.
This is another late-season test against a team that should be in the mix for a trip to Charlotte. Getting them at home helps, but this is far from a guaranteed win.
November 21: at Virginia
Virginia made it to the ACC Championship last year and looks like a team capable of backing it up.
They’ve got a quarterback battle between Beau Pribula and Eli Holstein - two solid options - and a roster that’s built to win now. The Tar Heels nearly pulled off the upset last season, so they know they can hang.
But doing it on the road in late November? That’s a tall task.
November 28: vs. NC State
The season ends with the rivalry that’s become a measuring stick - and a source of frustration. NC State has won five straight in this series, and until UNC proves otherwise, that streak looms large.
With bowl eligibility potentially on the line, this game could carry massive weight. It’s not just about bragging rights anymore - it could be about survival.
Final Thoughts
There’s no sugarcoating it - this is a brutal schedule.
From a trip to Ireland to battles with Notre Dame, Clemson, and Miami, the Tar Heels will be tested every step of the way. But there are also opportunities.
If Belichick and his staff can navigate the landmines, steal a couple of upsets, and take care of business in the must-win games, a bowl game is still in reach. It won’t be easy - but it rarely is in the ACC these days.