Harsh Preseason Statement Toward Bill Belichick and North Carolina Draws Attention

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nathan Dougherty | Last updated Aug 4, 2025 6:50 PM ET

Bill Belichick is looking to kick off a new era of football at North Carolina, but the legendary coach's peers aren't expecting a quick turnaround for the program.

The longtime New England Patriots coach surprised the college football world when he took the head coaching job with the Tar Heels, ending speculation that he would be returning to the NFL. Though Belichick has scored some big recruiting wins, expectations for the program remain relatively low.

The North Carolina football program received no votes in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll, the first time since the 2019 college football season that the team didn't get at least a single vote.

Reporter John Leuzzi of USA Today noted that Belichick's preseason snub was significant given his stature in the football world.

"While it might have been expected following a 6-7 season and coaching change, the Tar Heels not receiving a single vote is significant, given Belichick, an NFL coaching legend, is leading the team," Leuzzi wrote. "The votes for the Coaches Poll are comprised of other Division I coaches."

The roster didn't garner much respect either, with no UNC players listed on the preseason All-ACC team for the first time in six years.

But Belichick could still turn around the program, with Leuzzi adding that the team has already brought in 40 players from the transfer portal, giving them the No. 8-ranked transfer class in the nation.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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