If there’s reason for optimism among the UNC fanbase, it’s that 2026 has undoubtedly been better than 2025 for Bill Belichick’s squad.

After finishing 4-8 last year, the Tar Heels have been more competitive to open 2026, beating TCU, East Tennessee State, Pitt and Duke while at least contending with Notre Dame, Clemson and Syracuse. On Saturday, that trend continued — UNC fell to No. 1 Miami, but not without a fight.

The Tar Heels held multiple leads over the Hurricanes, but eventually lost 38-35. On one hand, it was a rather encouraging loss for UNC, with quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. finishing with XXX. But at the same time, the Tar Heels have struggled to finish out potential wins under Belichick.

Here’s a look at UNC’s growing history of blown fourth quarter leads over the last two seasons.

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UNC blown 4th quarter leads under Bill Belichick

In Saturday’s matchup against the nation’s top-ranked Hurricanes, the Tar Heels’ offense was keeping up with Miami’s high-powered attack. The sides traded touchdowns throughout the first half, then early in the third quarter, UNC took its first lead with an Edwards touchdown pass to Jordan Shipp.

That 21-17 advantage wasn’t the Tar Heels’ only lead. Early in the fourth quarter, they pulled ahead once again as Demon June punched in a score, making it 28-24.

Miami, however, proceeded to score touchdowns on its next two drives, with a lost fumble by Edwards in-between. Ultimately, that turnover was UNC’s doom, unable to come back despite the Tar Heels quarterback throwing a fourth touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter.

In the brief Belichick era in Chapel Hill, it marked the fourth time that UNC has held a lead in the fourth quarter, but lost the game. Last season, the Tar Heels blew a late lead against Duke. So far this season, they’ve done the same against Clemson, Syracuse, and now, Miami.

Here’s a look at the fourth quarter leads blown by UNC in the last two seasons:

  • Nov. 22, 2025: Duke 32, UNC 25 (Tar Heels led 25-24 at 13:13 mark)
  • Sept. 19, 2026: Clemson 28, UNC 20 (Tar Heels led 20-15 at 6:34 mark)
  • Oct. 24, 2026: Syracuse 31, UNC 30 (Tar Heels led 23-17 at 7:12 mark)
  • Oct. 31, 2026: Miami 38, UNC 35 (Tar Heels led 28-24 at 11:46 mark)

MORE: How Indiana WR Charlie Becker saved Hoosiers’ season vs. Minnesota

UNC record with Bill Belichick

The Tar Heels are now 4-4 so far this season, still an improvement over their full season with four wins in 2025.

However, had they claimed one or two of their matchups so far this season with a blown lead, they could have been making more legitimate noise in the ACC.

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