ACC Football

Bill Belichick is doing what he can to become a fan favorite at North Carolina.

And that includes feeding the fraternities.

As Ross Martin of 247Sports relayed Friday, the new Tar Heels football coach is planning on purchasing pizzas and having them delivered to fraternity houses for students to eat as they watch the men's basketball team take on Duke on the road in the latest edition of college basketball's fiercest rivalry.

Belichick certainly understands how important the rivalry is to North Carolina fans.

After all, he mentioned in his introductory press conference that while he doesn't remember much from when he was very young when his father was an assistant coach with the Tar Heels football team, he was told by his family that his first words were "Beat Duke."

He will have the opportunity to do just that on the football field during his first season, but Duke and North Carolina is a basketball rivalry first and foremost.

And those on North Carolina's campus will surely be dialed into the game on Saturday as the Tar Heels attempt to pick up an important Quadrant 1 win on the road to bolster their precarious NCAA tournament chances.

ESPN's Joe Lunardi updated his Bracketology page Friday, and North Carolina is one of the final four teams included in the field. That would put the powerhouse program in the play-in games ahead of the start of the traditional round of 64.

They will have a number of key opportunities to improve their standing during the stretch run, including during the rematch against Duke at home on March 8.

It wouldn't be surprising if Belichick was in attendance for that one after making sure fraternities on campus ate well for the first one.

Bill Belichick has his sights set high for his first full recruiting class.

On Monday, the new North Carolina head coach visited 5-star quarterback Jared Curtis, the No. 4 player and No. 2 quarterback in the Class of 2026, per 247Sports Composite.

According to On3's Steve Wiltfong, Curtis scheduled a visit to Chapel Hill after meeting with Belichick.

Curtis originally committed to Kirby Smart and Georgia but decommitted in December, noting that it didn't "seem right" to stay committed to the Bulldogs while exploring other options.

"This morning I spoke with coach Smart and [offensive coordinator Mike Bobo] and let them know that I still love Georgia, but would like to take some more time to explore all my options so I can make the best, most informed decision for my future," Curtis said. "I let them know it just doesn't seem right or fair to stay committed while checking out other programs. I want people to know where I stand and I've learned that making big decisions takes time."

Georgia is still in the mix, however, as Curtis included the Bulldogs in his top six. North Carolina is not among Curtis' top schools, but perhaps an in-home visit with Belichick and a visit to Chapel Hill later this year could change that.

Curtis would be a huge pickup for the Tar Heels. He's coming off a season in which he threw for 2,830 yards and 40 touchdowns with just three interceptions. He added 637 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground.

North Carolina has four commits for the Class of 2026, all of which are 3-star prospects. If Belichick can put together a strong first year in Chapel Hill, he could start bringing in players of Curtis' caliber.

Carson Beck's first game with his new team should be a good one.

Beck, who transferred from Georgia to Miami shortly after the Bulldogs lost to Notre Dame in the CFP quarterfinal, will square off against the Fighting Irish in his first game with the Hurricanes.

Miami announced Thursday that the game will be held on Sunday, Aug. 31, at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Canes will host the Fighting Irish at Hard Rock Stadium, and the contest will air on ABC.

Beck spent four seasons at Georgia and two years as the starter, but opted for a change of scenery this offseason. The potential Heisman candidate reportedly received a massive offer to join the Hurricanes, as CBSSports.com's John Talty and Chris Hummer reported Beck is expected to make $4 million in NIL money with Miami.

In his final season with the Bulldogs, Beck threw for 3,485 yards, 28 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. While those are solid numbers, he didn't pan out the way many expected him to in his second year under center, and his season was cut short due to an elbow injury in the SEC championship game against Texas.

In 2024, Miami landed one of the top quarterbacks out of the portal in Cam Ward and turned him into a Heisman finalist and potentially a top draft pick. The Hurricanes will look to have the same success with Beck in 2025.

Despite an outstanding year from Ward, Miami is coming off a mostly disappointing season. The Hurricanes started the year 9-0, but faced late-season upsets against Georgia Tech and Syracuse, leading to absences from the ACC championship and the College Football Playoff.

Still, Miami is trending in the right direction under Mario Cristobal and it will get the chance to set the tone for its season with a big win over Notre Dame.

The Fighting Irish are still recovering from their heartbreaking loss against Ohio State in the CFP title game, but Marcus Freeman's squad should come back stronger and make the Week 1 matchup between Notre Dame and Miami one to watch.

Legendary head coach Bill Belichick is no stranger to Monday Night Football, so he will be in a familiar setting when he makes his UNC debut this fall.

The Tar Heels announced that their 2025 season opener against TCU has been rescheduled to Monday, Sept. 1, and will be broadcast on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. ET:

Belichick was officially introduced as UNC's new head coach last month, marking his first time coaching at the college level after an iconic career in the NFL. He led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles and racked up 333 career wins, which rank second all-time behind Don Shula's 347.

Upon his hiring, Belichick said that player development would be his priority in order to get the next generation ready for life in the NFL. A taste of the bright lights of Monday Night Football in the very first week surely won't hurt that effort.

"When I say a pro program, I would say through my experience, what we did in terms of training, developing players, running pro systems, pro techniques," Belichick said in his introductory press conference. "So when the players leave here, this isn't going from the wishbone to a pro offense. It will be similar terminology, similar techniques and fundamentals, similar training, similar preparation techniques that have been very successful for me through the years, whether other college teams use them or not."

Belichick has already been working the recruitment trail to gear up for the 2025 campaign. The Tar Heels lost three quarterbacks to the transfer portal, but he's received commitments from the class of 2025 prospects Au'Tori Newkirk and Bryce Baker and Purdue transfer quarterback Ryan Browne.

Fans will certainly be excited to see the 72-year-old get back to doing what he does best when he leads UNC against TCU in a few months.

HEIGHT: 6'0"

WEIGHT: 210

HAND: 9⅝"

ARM: 32⅝"

WINGSPAN: 77"

POSITIVES

— Versatile coverage defender who has the ability to play at both the two high safety and nickel positions.

— Instinctual in coverage with very good footwork, keeping his leverage and showing a burst out of breaks. Has the ability to get into phase and shows the hands and timing necessary on pass breakups.

— Has a nose for the ball in the run game, coming up quickly and running his feet through tackles.

NEGATIVES

— Shows some tightness when flipping his hips and can be heavy footed at times in space; leading to him being susceptible against double moves.

— Inconsistent eye discipline in zone coverage. He can get glued in on the quarterback too long and lose track of receivers.

— Has a relatively high amount of missed tackles due to below average angles at times and him constantly reaching for tackles.

2024 STATISTICS

— 12 Games, 98 Tackles, 8.5 TFL, 2 Sacks, 5 PBU, 1 INT

NOTES

— Games Started: 33

— 3 Star recruit in the 2021 class, per 247Sports

— 2024: First Team All-ACC

— 2023: First Team All-ACC

— Senior Bowl Invite

OVERALL

Jonas Sanker is a versatile safety prospect from Virginia who can contribute at multiple levels of the defense. At 6'0" and 210 pounds, Sanker combines good size with a nose for the ball, making him an instinctual coverage player and an effective run defender. With experience as both a two-high safety and nickel defender, his versatility is one of his standout traits as he prepares for the NFL.

Sanker is a high-motor player in the run game who triggers quickly downhill. He has a nose for the ball, often closing ground efficiently and delivering secure tackles when he stays under control. However, his tackling consistency can be a concern, as he occasionally takes poor angles or reaches for tackles, leading to misses. While physical and willing in run support, Sanker will need to refine his approach and improve his ability to maintain leverage, particularly against shiftier ball-carriers.

In coverage, Sanker shows good instincts and footwork, which help him maintain leverage and positioning. His ability to break on the ball and disrupt intermediate and short routes is a significant strength, particularly when he can play downhill or laterally. Sanker's ball skills and timing make him effective in pass breakups, and his hands are reliable when opportunities arise for turnovers. However, some tightness in his hips and heavy-footed transitions in space make him vulnerable against double moves and quick changes of direction. His eye discipline in zone coverage can also be inconsistent, leading to occasional lapses in tracking receivers and maintaining proper positioning.

Jonas Sanker is a versatile depth safety who can excel in sub-packages and contribute early on special teams. His ability to play both deep safety and nickel makes him a valuable chess piece for defensive coordinators, particularly in schemes that prioritize coverage flexibility. While his tackling consistency and occasional lapses in zone discipline will need attention, his instincts, ball skills, and versatility give him a solid floor as a rotational defensive back with the potential to develop into a more consistent contributor.

GRADE: 6.7 (Potential Role Player — 4th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 149

POSITION RANK: S16

PRO COMPARISON: Nick Scott

Written by B/R NFL Scout Cory Giddings

Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.

After winning a national championship with Ohio State on Monday night, backup quarterback Devin Brown made a quick decision to move on from the team.

Chirs Hummer of 247Sports reported on Tuesday that Brown committed to transfer to Cal following his three seasons with the Buckeyes. Brown was ranked as a 4-star prospect and the No. 6 quarterback in the nation in the class of 2022 by 247Sports' composite.

Hummer noted that Brown entered the transfer portal on Dec. 8 but chose to remain with Ohio State for its run through the College Football Playoff, which ended with a 34-23 win over Notre Dame in Monday night's national title game. According to Hummer, Brown is "expected to enroll at Cal on Tuesday, and the Bears view him as a big part of their 2025 offensive plans."

Brown played sparingly during his time with the Buckeyes and has career numbers of 331 passing yards, three touchdowns and an interception along with 37 rushing yards and another score. He spent the 2023 season backing up Kyle McCord, and he did the same for Will Howard this year.

Brown is the latest high-profile quarterback to join Cal through the transfer portal, joining Oregon transfer Jaron Keawe Sagapolutele, a 4-star recruit in the class of 2025 who spent just one month with the Ducks before choosing to find a new home.

The Bears will be replacing former quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who transferred to Indiana after producing 3,004 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions this past season.

Hummer stated that Brown and Sagapolutele are expected to compete for the starting quarterback job for Cal under new offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin, but Brown's experience will give him an edge.

Changes could be coming to the current ACC championship game format

ACC commissioner Jim Phillips revealed on Sunday that discussions will take place between coaches and athletic directors regarding potential adjustments to the conference championship game, according to ESPN's Andrea Adelson.

Phillips suggested that the ACC could consider giving its regular-season champion a bye and have the second and third-ranked teams in the league standings play in the ACC championship game, per Adelson.

"You go through the regular season and whoever wins the regular season, just park them to the side, and then you play the second-place team versus the third-place team in your championship game," Phillips said, via Adelson. "So you have a regular-season champion, and then you have a conference tournament or postseason champion."

The change can potentially allow more teams from the conference to compete in the College Football Playoff, which gives automatic bids to the five highest-ranked conference champions under the current format.

In 2024, SMU sat at 11-1 and owned the No. 8 spot in the CFP rankings entering a matchup with Clemson in the ACC championship game. The Mustangs lost to the Tigers, although they were still able to earn the final berth in the CFP despite losing an opportunity to automatically clinch a spot.

The proposal could ensure that a team headed towards a CFP appearance without a conference title, such as SMU, wouldn't risk falling out of the 12-team field with a loss in the ACC championship contest.

Another possibility is the top four teams facing off against each other during the final weekend of the regular season and the winners advancing to compete in the ACC championship game (via Adelson).

Conversations will continue at the league's winter meetings, and changes could be coming to the ACC title game layout.

Former Wisconsin defensive back Xavier Lucas left the school for Miami on Wednesday, according to Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger.

Lucas signed a revenue-sharing contract with the Badgers, as they previously refused to enter him into the portal despite requesting a transfer (via Dellenger).

He made the move by withdrawing from classes at Wisconsin and enrolling academically at Miami, presumably bypassing NCAA transfer rules by not formally signing with the Hurricanes.

Per Dellenger, Lucas' attorney had planned to file suit against both the NCAA and Wisconsin over antitrust claims related to the situation and accused Wisconsin of blatantly violating NCAA rules by not inserting the defensive back's name into the portal.

Dellenger reported Saturday that Wisconsin plans to pursue legal action against Miami, accusing the school of tampering with Lucas.

The Big Ten also released a statement in support of Wisconsin:

Schools have 48 hours to enter a player's name into the portal after receiving notice of their intent to transfer, and the player cannot enter their own name (via Nick Schultz of On3.com).

Lucas appeared in 12 games with the Badgers during the 2024 season, recording 18 tackles, two tackles for loss, two passes defensed and one interception.

He was a 4-star prospect who ranked as the No. 35 safety in the 2024 recruiting class, per 247Sports' composite rankings.

Lucas detailed Wisconsin's refusal to enter his name into the portal in a Dec. 27 post on social media.

The NCAA provided a statement addressing the situation, explaining that athletes aren't prohibited from unenrolling at their current schools and enrolling at new ones.

"NCAA rules do not prevent a student-athlete from unenrolling from an institution, enrolling at a new institution and competing immediately," the statement said, via Dellenger.

After signing a revenue-sharing agreement with Wisconsin, Lucas will be suiting up for a Miami team that's coming off a 10-3 season under head coach Mario Cristobal in 2024.

Despite recently agreeing to become UNC's next head coach, Bill Belichick has not been able to escape rumors that he could still return to the NFL, and a new development could fuel further speculation.

Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported that "there is no fully executed and signed contract between Belichick and UNC." Jones added that if Belichick chose to go back to the NFL, industry sources said the lack of a signed contract "could lead to a legal gray area about how much, if any, of a buyout there would be."

Michael Lombardi, UNC football's general manager, said in a post on social media that Belichick isn't interested in returning to the NFL:

Jones noted that industry sources "agree it is not atypical at the collegiate level for coaches to begin working without a fully executed contract." A UNC spokesperson even told him that the school has "had coaches coach here for a year before they had an actual contract."

An agent who works with coaches in the pros and college also confirmed to Jones, "It's not unusual to sign [a term sheet] and then have the full contract take a while." A second agent added, "Schools drag their feet like crazy, and I don't know why."

While all signs point to Belichick moving forward with the Tar Heels, many couldn't help but wonder about the possibility of him returning to the NFL. After the Dallas Cowboys chose to part ways with head coach Mike McCarthy earlier this week, Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reported that Belichick "would have been interested in the Cowboys' job." Schultz added that Belichick has "an excellent relationship with the Jones family."

Still, it makes sense that Lombardi would want to quell the noise, as Belichick's first attempt at coaching in college would take a significant hit if there's uncertainty over his status at UNC. The 72-year-old will have to convince top recruits that he's committed to the Tar Heels if he hopes to achieve the same level of success he experienced in the NFL.

The Clemson Tigers have their next defensive coordinator.

Clemson announced Tuesday it hired former Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen to the same position with head coach Dabo Swinney calling him "a great leader of men" and a "great football coach."

Grace Raynor of The Athletic reported he will make $1.9 million in 2025-26, $2 million in 2026-27 and $2.1 million in 2027-28.

This move means Allen will be out of the Big Ten for the first time since the 2015 season when he was the defensive coordinator at South Florida.

He was the head coach of Indiana for seven seasons from 2017 through 2023. While he was 33-49 overall and finished with a losing record in five of his seven years, he also took home the Big Ten Coach of the Year during the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign by leading the Hoosiers to a 6-2 record.

However, the program quickly struggled after that and went 2-10 in 2021.

Penn State hired Allen as the defensive coordinator after he was fired by Indiana following the 2023 campaign. All he did in his one season with the Nittany Lions was direct a unit that finished seventh in the country in yards allowed per game and eighth in points allowed per game.

Penn State reached the Big Ten Championship Game and the semifinals of the College Football Playoff, where it lost to Oregon and Notre Dame, respectively. It also defeated SMU and Boise State during the run to the CFP semifinals and allowed a combined 24 points in those two victories.

Allen's defense turned heads when it held star Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty to 3.5 yards per carry in the 17-point win.

That same defense notched two pick-sixes in the playoff win over SMU.

"He will hit the ground running this week to get started helping us achieve all of our goals in 2025," Swinney said in the press release. "He brings a ton of experience and was highly recommended by some of the best people in this business. He is obviously coming off of a great year as the defensive coordinator at Penn State, and we're excited to welcome him as our defensive coordinator here at Clemson."

Allen will look to help the Tigers return to being one of the sport's elite programs.

Clemson went to the CFP national championship game four times in a five-year span from the 2015 through 2019 seasons and won two of those titles. However, it has lost at least three games in each of the last four seasons.

It went 10-4 with an ACC title and one-game CFP appearance this past season.