For recruits with their eyes on the future, the choice is clear. The short-term allure of NIL is tempting, but the long-term payoff of learning under Bill Belichick at UNC could be the ultimate winning bet on a bright future in football.

The former New England Patriots head coach has helped the Tar Heels sell out Kenan Stadium for the season and is expected to be a major TV ratings draw this fall. But despite his early impact, it turns out Belichick still isn’t bigger than UNC men’s basketball.

The 5-foot-9, 185-pound Sadler is ranked No. 85 nationally, the No. 8 athlete, and No. 1 player in the state of Michigan per the 247Sports rankings. With his commitment, UNC now has the No. 17 overall class for the 2026 cycle.

With experienced players and vocal captains, the Tar Heels’ locker room is filled with leadership ready to guide the team.

Belichick spent 24 seasons in New England, winning six Super Bowls alongside future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady, before exiting the franchise in January 2024. He pivoted to sports media opportunities after missing out on the NFL hiring cycle.

Before the Belichick Era officially begins, Chapelboro's Michael Koh looks at some memorable season-opening games for UNC football.

The North Carolina Tar Heels have been doing their thing in the recruiting scene, as they have been landing prospects left and right, even when the remainder of

I always worried that this was too close to home,” Yarnell said of UNC. “Ten minutes away. Am I really going to experience the college experience? Yeah, 100% it was God’s plan I was supposed to

For the first time in more than 50 years, as classes begin, students at North Carolina won’t have the opportunity to try out for the junior varsity men’s basketball team.