DUBLIN — Six-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick and the North Carolina Tar Heels open the college football season against the TCU Horned Frogs in the latest installment of the Aer Lingus Classic today – Saturday, Aug. 29 – at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland.
How to watch UNC vs. TCU
- What: Aer Lingus Classic 2026: North Carolina vs. TCU
- When: Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026
- Time: 12 p.m. Eastern (5 p.m. Irish Standard Time)
- Where: Aviva Stadium | Dublin, Ireland
- Channel: ESPN
- Streaming options: DIRECTV (free trial and $35 off your first month), FuboTV (free trial and $25 off your first month), SlingTV and ESPN Streaming
How do I watch UNC vs. TCU for free?
This college football matchup will broadcast live on ESPN and also stream on the ESPN app. You can take advantage of free trials from DIRECTV and FuboTV, which also offer large discounts on your first month.
Looking for a cheap option? Fans can watch this game on Sling TV with a $4.99 daily pass from Sling Orange. There is also weekend, weekly and monthly passes available.
What to expect for today’s game
Belichick’s first year at the helm of the Tar Heels was a chaotic one. UNC ultimately finished 4-8, including a 2-6 record in the ACC.
The dysfunction has carried over to 2026, and the gaudy expectations remain for this unorthodox experiment. The Tar Heels are without general manager Michael Lombardi, who was placed on administrative leave. Defensive coordinator Steve Belichick remains on medical leave.
Amid the distractions, UNC welcomed in 40 true freshmen and 30 players from the transfer portal.
Senior quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. takes over under center after a forgettable stint with Wisconsin. His injury history is well documented as he spent much of the 2025 season on the shelf after a severe left knee injury in the season opener turned out to be a Grade 3 PCL sprain. He tried to return later in the season against his former team, Maryland, but made it just one series before exiting the game.
New offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino is tasked with restoring life to North Carolina’s sluggish offense.
Sophomore running back Demon June will be the focal point of North Carolina’s attack. Michigan transfer junior running back Benjamin Hall can also make noise with a punishing run style.
Senior defensive lineman Melkart Abou-Jaoude is the returning headliner of a Tar Heels formidable pass-rush from last season. He compiled 12 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks and one forced fumble.
Leroy Jackson, Isaiah Johnson and Penn State transfer Jaylen Harvey make up the meat of this potent unit.
Watch UNC vs. TCU for free with DIRECTV
TCU embarrassed North Carolina in Belichick’s UNC coaching debut last year, 48-14. That helped jumpstart a 9-4 campaign, which included a 5-4 conference record in the Big 12.
The Horned Frogs will return eight total starters from last year’s group.
Harvard transfer senior quarterback Jaden Craig takes the reins as a dynamic QB making his first Power 4 start.
He amassed 2,869 yards with 25 touchdowns and seven interceptions, while also adding 78 yards and three touchdowns on the ground last season. Craig is Harvard’s all-time leader in passing yards and passing touchdowns.
TCU welcomes back last year’s team-leading rusher Jeremy Payne. As a sophomore, he tallied 110 carries for 623 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 5.7 yards per carry.
Head coach Sonny Dykes and the Horned Frogs are also breaking in a new offensive coordinator, with Gordon Sammis assuming play-calling duties.
The aerial attack is supported by redshirt senior Jordan Dwyer, sophomore Ed Small and Jeremy Scott, a South Alabama transfer.
TCU brings experience, traditional success and undeniable transfer talent to a matchup they won with ease last season. It also carries a chip after being left out of the preseason AP poll.
UNC leads the all-time series, 3-1.
Who is announcing UNC vs. TCU?
Mike Monaco (play-by-play) and Jordan Rogers (analyst) will be the announcers while Dana Boyle reports from the sideline.
What are the latest odds for UNC vs. TCU?
Spread: TCU: (-8.5), UNC: (+8.5)
Moneyline: TCU: (-340), UNC: (+270)
Point total: 46.5
Odds courtesy of DraftKings
