Bill Belichick’s Tar Heels Face a Full Roster Reset in Year Two - Can Portal Talent and Key Returners Keep UNC Competitive?
Year two of the Bill Belichick era in Chapel Hill is shaping up to be a true test of program-building under pressure. After a year of laying the foundation, Belichick now faces a steep climb with major roster turnover-particularly in the trenches.
Out of nine combined starters on the offensive and defensive lines, only one returns. That’s not just a rebuild; that’s a full-on renovation.
The Tar Heels are once again leaning heavily on the transfer portal to fill the gaps, but this year’s success will also depend on the leadership and production of a few key returners. And with a schedule that includes road trips to Clemson, Pitt, and Virginia, plus home matchups against Notre Dame, Miami, and Louisville, there won’t be much margin for error. If UNC can claw its way to bowl eligibility in 2026, it would be a significant step forward for Belichick’s program.
Let’s break down where things stand heading into spring.
Offense: Petrino Takes Over, But the Trenches Are Bare
New offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino inherits an offense with just two returning starters-but they’re good ones.
Running back June is back after a promising freshman campaign (84 carries, 464 yards, 5.5 yards per carry, 2 TDs). He showed flashes of being a true feature back, with a blend of vision and burst that gave the offense some much-needed balance in 2025.
Wide receiver Shipp also returns after leading the team in receptions (60), yards (671), and touchdowns (6) last season. He’s a reliable target with the ability to stretch the field and make contested catches.
But here’s the challenge: all five starting offensive linemen from last year are gone. That’s a tall order for any coordinator, let alone one installing a new system.
Petrino will need his new-look line-likely built almost entirely through the portal-to gel quickly. If they can hold their own, the skill position pieces are there to move the ball.
The transfer portal has already delivered some help. Right tackle Andrew Thrett (Charleston Southern) adds experience up front, while two tight ends-Jelani Thurman (Ohio State) and Jordan Washington (Texas)-bring size and athleticism to the passing game.
At quarterback, Billy Edwards Jr. transfers in from Wisconsin. While he didn’t see much action in Madison last year, he was productive at Maryland in 2024 and brings a veteran presence to the QB room.
Defense: Steve Belichick Rebuilds After Key Departures
On the defensive side, coordinator Steve Belichick (yes, Bill’s son) is dealing with just as much turnover. Only three starters return: defensive end Melkart Abou-Jaoude, cornerback Jaiden Patterson, and nickelback Kaleb Cost.
Abou-Jaoude is the standout here. He notched 10.5 sacks last season and was a disruptive force off the edge. Patterson and Cost both bring experience and solid production to the secondary, combining for 79 tackles, 10 passes defended, and two interceptions in 2025.
But the rest of the unit? Gone.
Both starting interior defensive linemen transferred-D’Antre Robinson to Oregon and CJ Mims to Texas A&M. Edge rusher Smith Vilbert exhausted his eligibility.
Starting linebackers Andrew Simpson (61 tackles, 5 sacks, 1 INT) and Khmori House (78 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT) are also gone, with House transferring to Arkansas. The secondary took a hit too, losing both starting safeties and corner Marcus Allen (35 tackles, 8 passes defended).
It’s a lot to replace. Fortunately, the portal has brought in some reinforcements.
Linebacker Seelmann and defensive lineman Hoilette, both from Richmond, were highly productive at the FCS level. Seelmann racked up 120 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 2 picks in 2025, while Hoilette posted 6.5 sacks and 43 tackles. If they can translate that production to the ACC, they’ll be key pieces in the rebuild.
Another name to watch is McDonald, a transfer from Syracuse. He was limited in 2025 but had a strong track record from 2022-2024 with 155 total tackles. If he can stay healthy, he adds another proven playmaker to the mix.
Portal Power: The Key to 2026
There’s no sugarcoating it-this roster has been gutted. But in today’s college football landscape, a strong portal class can change everything. North Carolina is banking on that.
The offensive side has a mix of Power Five and smaller-school talent, with Edwards Jr. and Kekahuna (26 catches, 211 yards in 2025) bringing familiarity from Wisconsin. Humphrey, a wideout from Lehigh, adds depth. The tight end duo of Thurman and Washington gives Petrino some flexibility in personnel groupings.
On defense, the Richmond duo could be sneaky-good additions, and McDonald’s veteran presence helps stabilize the back end. But this is going to be a group that needs time to come together.
The Road Ahead
The 2026 schedule doesn’t do UNC any favors. With Clemson, Notre Dame, Miami, Pitt, Louisville, and Virginia all on the docket, Belichick’s squad will be tested early and often.
But if the offensive line can come together, and the portal additions on defense can plug the many holes left behind, there’s a path to bowl eligibility. That’s not a guarantee-but it’s a realistic goal. And if the Tar Heels get there, it’ll be a clear sign that Belichick’s vision for the program is starting to take hold.
Year two is all about progress. The roster may be new, but the expectations are growing.