From quarterback to cornerback, starting positions for UNC football are open for business.
Bill Belichick has already stated that the starting quarterback position would be earned despite the prevailing belief that transfer Gio Lopez is going to be the guy. And if the most important position on the field is up for grabs, every player at every position needs to be on alert.
BB: "Anybody who's walking in here feeling like, 'I'm gonna be starting this or that, I'm entitled to this,' that's not the way it's gonna work. They're gonna have to earn it. (cont).
— Michael Koh (@michaelkohwchl) August 2, 2025
Often we can chalk up open competitions to basic coachspeak. Coaches, much like fans, have a depth chart in mind. They have a good idea of who is going to be starting in Week 1. Belichick, however, is sending a simple message to the team - your actions could change my mind.
And the great thing about Belichick's words is that they are all encompassing from the top of the roster to the bottom, where some players could find themselves on scholarship with the right effort during camp.
"Some of those players, eventually, are going to end up helping us. I just know that's the way it's going to work out," Belichick said during his post-practice press conference Saturday. "To me, those players are just as important as the top ten. They're going to be factors on our them and have roles. We're constantly trying to make sure that we, from top to bottom, do the best we can."
In his first season at North Carolina, Bill Belichick is managing the roster like an NFL GM — valuing depth, trimming early, and finding hidden gems. https://t.co/mtbkR8JOb6
— Grant Chachere (Sash-Er-Ray) (@ChachereGrant) August 4, 2025
Belichick's roster strategy could include specialized roles
This is where Belichick's championship experience in the NFL will really come into play for the Tar Heels. He values certain skill sets for certain roles. It could be as simple as finding the guy that will be the best gunner for the kick or punt coverage teams or finding a big-body that could be a lead blocker or third tight end during short-yardage situations.
He's also looking for versatility. Think about the way Belichick used wide receiver Troy Brown in the latter stages of his career as a defensive back in the slot when the situation called for it. It's something that players on the roster are going to have to look out for and be willing to adjust when necessary. With Belichick and general manager Mike Lombardi hand-picking most of this roster, I would expect complete buy-in from the players in camp to whatever Belichick asks them to do.