Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Bill Belichick Names Billy Edwards Jr. Starting QB

8/19/2026

29 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Edwards Starter

Head coach Bill Belichick named quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. starter for the Aug. 29 2026 opener vs TCU in Ireland.
Edwards beat Miles O’Neill and Travis Burgess for the job, prompting offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino to say he is “as healthy as he’s been in a long time.”
He returned from a 2025 knee injury and medical redshirt, completing 65 % of passes for 2,881 yards and 15 touchdowns at Maryland in 2024.

Summary

UNC seeks revenge

UNC will open 2026 season on Aug. 29 in Dublin, Ireland against TCU, seeking revenge for last year’s 48-14 loss.
UNC hosts Notre Dame on Oct. 3, completing a non-conference stretch analysts deem one of the toughest early-season schedules.
The 2026 campaign is Bill Belichick’s second year, with hopes for a stronger start after a 4-8 finish in 2025.

History

Historical Context

The NCAA has allowed member schools to schedule regular-season games abroad no more than once every four years, a policy first used in 1976 when Grambling State played in Tokyo. The 1996 Emerald Isle Classic at Croke Park, where Notre Dame beat Navy before 30,000 fans, proved Ireland could host high-profile contests. That success underpins the 2026 UNC-TCU season opener in Dublin, continuing the transatlantic college-football trend.

1 of 3

Edwards Starter

Head coach Bill Belichick named quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. starter for the Aug. 29 2026 opener vs TCU in Ireland.
Edwards beat Miles O’Neill and Travis Burgess for the job, prompting offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino to say he is “as healthy as he’s been in a long time.”
He returned from a 2025 knee injury and medical redshirt, completing 65 % of passes for 2,881 yards and 15 touchdowns at Maryland in 2024.

1 / 3