Yardbarker
Bill Belichick stands at the podium during a press conference inside Kenan Football Center.
UNC football coach Bill Belichick on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, during a press conference inside the Kenan Football Center. Rodd Baxley/The Fayetteville Observer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

How to watch the TCU vs. North Carolina football game: Kickoff time, TV channel & live stream for tonight's matchup

By Russell Raunam  |  Last updated Aug 28, 2025 1:19 PM ET
Affiliate Disclosure Statement: If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a share of the revenue from our affiliate partners.

A new era has begun for the North Carolina Tar Heels as the legendary Bill Belichick has returned to coach college football. UNC will be taking on a TCU squad that has seen recent success, including major bowl wins and even a National Championship berth. With key players on each side of the ball for both teams and exciting storylines, there is a reason this game is being played on primetime. 

How to watch TCU vs. North Carolina game tonight

  • Matchup: TCU vs. North Carolina
  • Date: Monday, September 1, 2025
  • Time: 7:00 p.m. CT (8:00 p.m. ET)
  • TV Channels: ESPN
  • Live Stream Platform: DIRECTV Streaming App
  • Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
  • Stadium: Kenan Memorial Stadium


Get a free trial of DIRECTV STREAM

Predictions, odds, and spread for TCU vs. North Carolina

 Key Line    TCU     North Carolina  
Point Spread -3.5 +3.5
Moneyline -160 +135

Key players you need to watch on the TCU Horned Frogs

  • Terry Shelton – Offense – As a highly-rated wide receiver, Terry Shelton is expected to play a key role in TCU's offense with his size and explosiveness.
  • Adam Schobel – Offense – Enrolling as a top-15 quarterback nationally, Adam Schobel brings strong leadership potential and is a major addition for the Horned Frogs' 2025 offense.
  • Chad Woodfork – Defense – Rated as one of the top edge defenders in the nation, Chad Woodfork adds significant pass-rushing ability to the TCU defense.

Key players you need to watch on the North Carolina Tar Heels

  • Gio Lopez – Offense – Named the starting quarterback for the season opener, Lopez is a dual-threat transfer from South Alabama whose leadership and mobility will set the tone for UNC’s offense.
  • Caleb Hood – Offense - A powerful downhill running back, Hood brings toughness, field vision, and versatility, making him a dependable option in short-yardage and open-field situations.
  • Marcus Allen – Defense – A senior defensive back and leader in the secondary, Allen provides veteran stability and playmaking ability, helping anchor North Carolina’s pass defense.

Key stats for TCU Horned Frogs (2024)

TEAM PPG YDS/G PASS YDS/G RUSH YDS/G PAPG YAPG TO GAINED SACKS FG% PUNTS/G FGM/G
TCU 33.5 426.8 312.9 113.9 24.6 345.6 16 2.0 68.2% 3.2 1.2

Key stats for North Carolina Tar Heels (2024)

TEAM PPG YDS/G PASS YDS/G RUSH YDS/G PAPG YAPG TO GAINED SACKS FG% PUNTS/G FGM/G
North Carolina 30.9 406.7 224.4 182.3 28.1 375.8 15 41.0 72.7% 4.1 1.2

Who's winning the TCU vs. North Carolina game?

As the books currently have it, North Carolina is a home underdog by about 3.5 points. But with as much hype and unknown that UNC is bringing into this game, expect that home crowd to be loud from the opening kickoff to the final whistle. TCU's Josh Hoover is an experienced quarterback who can win games in tough environments, but I like UNC to win outright in a rocking Kenan Memorial Stadium.

Russell is a 22-year-old from Dallas, Texas, who recently graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in Sports Journalism. He can talk about sports all day long and is also passionate about comedy and entertainment.