Learn about the rich history and traditions of university of north carolina football. Explore the current team, future outlook, and game-day experience.
The University of North Carolina (UNC) football program dates back to 1888 when the school first fielded a team. The program has a rich history, having produced numerous NFL players and Hall of Famers. UNC has also won numerous conference championships and appeared in over 30 bowl games.
The UNC football team is known for its signature Carolina Blue uniforms and its fierce rivalry with in-state rival North Carolina State University. The team has also produced notable coaches such as Mack Brown and Larry Fedora, who have led the Tar Heels to success on the field.
The UNC football team is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and competes in the Coastal Division. The team has a storied history, having produced numerous NFL players and Hall of Famers, including Lawrence Taylor, Julius Peppers, and Charlie Justice.
The current head coach of the Tar Heels is Mack Brown, who returned to the program in 2019 after previously coaching the team from 1988 to 1997. Under Brown’s leadership, UNC has seen a resurgence in recent years, with the team finishing in the top 25 in both 2019 and 2020.
The team’s offense is led by quarterback Sam Howell, who is considered one of the top players in the country. Howell threw for over 3,500 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2020, leading the Tar Heels to an 8-4 record. The defense is led by linebacker Jeremiah Gemmel, who was a first-team All-ACC selection in 2020.
UNC Football Stadium
The Kenan Memorial Stadium is the home of UNC football, with a seating capacity of over 50,000 fans. The stadium was first opened in 1927 and was named in honor of William R. Kenan Jr., a UNC alumnus who donated the funds to build the stadium.
The stadium has undergone numerous renovations over the years, including the addition of luxury boxes, a larger video board, and a new playing surface. Fans who attend games at Kenan Stadium can expect a unique game-day experience, with a festive atmosphere and beautiful views of the surrounding campus.
Some notable games and events that have been hosted at Kenan Stadium include the 1949 Sugar Bowl, which saw UNC defeat Oklahoma 14-6, and the 1993 World Games, which featured international athletes competing in various sports.
UNC Football Rivalries
UNC football has several notable rivalries, including in-state foes North Carolina State University and Duke University. The rivalry with NC State, known as the “Battle of the Blues,” dates back to 1894 and is one of the oldest rivalries in college football. The Tar Heels and Wolfpack have played over 100 times, with UNC holding a slight edge in the all-time series.
The rivalry with Duke, known as the “Victory Bell” rivalry, is also a key matchup for UNC. The two teams first played in 1888 and have played annually since 1922. The winner of the game takes possession of the Victory Bell, a trophy that has been exchanged between the two schools since 1948.
Another notable rivalry for UNC football is with the University of Virginia, known as the “South’s Oldest Rivalry.” The two teams first played in 1892 and have played over 120 times. The rivalry has seen its fair share of close games and memorable moments, including a 2015 game that saw UNC win on a last-second touchdown pass.