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UNC drops a major surprise headliner for its 2026 Chapel Thrill lineup

You might be surprised to hear who will be the opening act for this year's Chapel Thrill lineup series!
Oct 4, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Rapper Ludacris performs at Polk Place on the UNC campus before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Oct 4, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Rapper Ludacris performs at Polk Place on the UNC campus before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Last season, the University of North Carolina revealed a new set of game day fun for fans to enjoy ahead of home football games.

One of the main events that was added was the Chapel Thrill Concert Series, one that featured some very notable artists who took the stage.

Ahead of the 2026 season, the university revealed its lineup for this year's home games. Wait until you hear who will be getting the action started on September 12!

DJ Diesel among the headliners for the 2026 Chapel Thrill Concert Series

You might not have ever heard of "DJ Diesel," but it's very likely you know who he is!

Former NBA star and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal is the man behind the "DJ Diesel" name, as he will be making a stop in Chapel Hill to perform before the September 12 home opener against ETSU.

Bobby Petrino provides some quality insight on UNC's quarterback competition

Not only can he dunk the basketball, he can get a crowd going with his DJ skills as well!

Chase Rice, a UNC football alum, will take the stage on October 3 prior to the Tar Heels' clash with Notre Dame, while Parmalee will be performing ahead of the Syracuse contest on October 24.

On Halloween, Neon Trees will perform ahead of the clash with Miami, while Waka Flocka Flame will look to pump up the home crowd ahead of the November 14 contest against Louisville. When NC State rolls into town on November 28, 38 Special will grace the stage in the final Chapel Thrill Concert Series of the 2026 season.

The University of North Carolina has taken great steps toward making the game day experience in Chapel Hill more enjoyable for the fanbase. They implemented some awesome ideas a year ago and look to continue building upon them, providing fans with an experience they'll remember even before they step foot inside Kenan Stadium for the actual game.

Hopefully, this year's slate of home games will provide fans will happy memories to return home to!

If you're heading to a UNC football game (or games) this upcoming fall, make sure you take advantage of the pregame festivities that are scheduled for around Chapel Hill. There's plenty to do and a lot to see before kickoff, so it's important that you get to town as early as possible to enjoy everything about game day at North Carolina.

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