UNC and TCU to open college football season in Dublin

The 2026 college football season begins with the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland, featuring a rematch between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the TCU Horned Frogs at Aviva Stadium. Both teams enter the matchup with significant roster changes, including new starting quarterbacks: Billy Edwards Jr. for UNC and Jaden Craig for TCU.

North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick faces intense scrutiny heading into his second season following a 4-8 debut campaign. Analyst Paul Finebaum has criticized Belichick’s leadership, citing “mass chaos in Chapel Hill” due to staff instability. This includes General Manager Michael Lombardi being placed on administrative leave and Defensive Coordinator Steve Belichick being on indefinite medical leave. Belichick is expected to handle defensive play-calling duties himself for the season opener.

Weather forecasts for the Dublin game suggest light rain, which may impact gameplay. TCU enters the matchup as the betting favorite, with the spread set at 7.5 points.