The University of North Carolina achieved a much-needed win on Saturday, defeating East Tennessee State 35-3 in their home opener, offering a brief respite from recent scandals. Head coach Bill Belichick's second home opener at UNC contrasted sharply with the previous year's loss to TCU.
The team's performance saw running back Demon June score three touchdowns, with quarterback Billy Edwards adding two more through the air. June's scores came from 9, 6, and 1 yard out, contributing to the Tar Heels' improved 2-0 record, their fourth 2-0 start in the last five seasons.
"Good to get that one today," Belichick stated after the game. "It was a solid effort in all three phases."
Edwards completed 15 of 20 passes for 244 yards, connecting with eight different receivers. Jelani Thurman led the team with 71 receiving yards, including a 24-yard touchdown that opened the scoring. Edwards commented on Thurman's versatility, noting his ability to be a "Swiss Army knife" in the offensive scheme.
North Carolina's defense limited ETSU to 255 total yards and forced two turnovers, with Jaylen Harvey and Xavier Lewis each recording two sacks. After an initial three-and-out, the Tar Heels capitalized on five of their next six drives with touchdowns. A 26-yard swing pass to Benjamin Hall capped a 10-play, 99-yard drive, matching the team's longest scoring drive since 2022.
East Tennessee State's Mason Mims passed for 178 yards on 23-of-31 attempts but threw one interception. The Tar Heels held a 35-0 lead before a lightning delay of over an hour halted play in the third quarter.
Amidst the on-field success, the team is navigating the fallout from several controversies. The investigation into former General Manager Mike Lombardi, who resigned from the $1.5 million-a-year position, continues. Lombardi was placed on administrative leave during an inquiry into his conduct.
Additionally, defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, son of head coach Bill Belichick, stepped away from the team for undisclosed medical reasons. Reports from WRAL suggest that lawyers investigating Lombardi's conduct have questioned individuals about Steve Belichick's alleged drug use and potential sexual relationships between assistant coaches and staff.
Steve Belichick has not responded to requests for comment. UNC spokespeople have declined to provide specific details regarding the ongoing investigations.
Jordon Hudson, Bill Belichick's girlfriend, was present on the sidelines during the game, a familiar sight from her presence at games last season. Unlike previous home games, UNC did not host any recruits on Saturday due to an NCAA violation. UNC spokesman Kevin Best stated that the program is prohibited from hosting unofficial visits as a result of the violation. While official visits were permitted, the program chose to "concentrate our official visits on the remaining five home games." Best added that the situation has been "properly resolved through the NCAA process."
The Tar Heels concluded their 2025 season with a 4-8 record, Belichick's first at UNC, which was marked by inconsistent play and off-field issues, including a brief suspension of an assistant coach for NCAA rule violations. The team opened the current season with a victory over TCU in Ireland before Saturday's home game against an FCS opponent.