Paul Finebaum sets clear expectation for North Carolina, Bill Belichick in 2025
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Paul Finebaum is setting modest expectation for Bill Belichick in Year 1 at North Carolina.
The longtime college football radio host appeared on ESPN’s ‘Get Up’ earlier this week and was asked about UNC’s outlook for 2025. He said he doesn’t think an ACC Championship Game appearance is in the cards, but noted he does expect improvement from the Mack Brown era.
“I do think Bill Belichick is going to elevate this program,” Finebaum said. “It’s been dormant for awhile and it’s time to regenerate. North Carolina is a very good football school. And I know that surprises most people, probably even including in the Tar Heel State.
“Eight wins is very doable, maybe more if he gets lucky.”
The betting markets agree with Finebaum’s assessment. BetMGM has the Tar Heels’ regular-season win total listed at 7.5 for the 2025 season. Carolina is not expected to compete for the ACC title this season either, with that number posted at +2500.
Aside from an October meeting with Clemson, North Carolina has a very manageable schedule. The Tar Heels don’t face any of the other preseason favorites in the ACC — Miami, Louisville, Georgia Tech, SMU and Florida State are all absent.
North Carolina will open the 2025 season against TCU.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
