UPDATE: Bill Belichick has achieved a significant milestone, securing his first victory against a Power Four school as head coach of the University of North Carolina. The Tar Heels triumphed over Syracuse with a score of 27-10 on the evening of October 31, 2025, at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, New York.
This victory marks Belichick’s first win against an ACC opponent, a pivotal moment for the coach who previously led the New England Patriots to numerous NFL championships. Belichick expressed his relief and excitement post-game, stating, “Feels good. Feels great. We had a couple of opportunities the last couple of weeks that we couldn’t capitalize on. It was good to get this one.”
The game showcased a dominant performance from North Carolina’s offense, which had previously struggled to score over 20 points against FBS competitors this season. Quarterback Gio Lopez shone brightly, completing 15 of 19 passes for 216 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Demon June also made a significant impact, rushing for 101 yards and adding 81 yards through receptions, including a touchdown in both categories.
The Syracuse Orange, however, faced a tough challenge with their quarterback situation. Starting walk-on and true freshman Joe Filardi struggled under pressure, completing just 4 of 18 passes for a mere 39 yards. This marked a difficult night for Syracuse, which has now lost five consecutive games. The team had previously suffered injuries to key players, including starting quarterback Steve Angeli, who is out for the season due to an Achilles injury.
Belichick noted the timing of the game played in North Carolina’s favor, saying, “We were probably fortunate to get them (now) as opposed to the week they played Clemson.” The Tar Heels will aim to build on this momentum as they prepare to face Stanford next Saturday, while Syracuse will look to regroup against Miami.
This victory not only boosts North Carolina’s standing but also adds a vital accolade to Belichick’s coaching career. As the college football season progresses, all eyes will be on how both teams adapt and respond to their upcoming challenges.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story and more sports coverage from Fox News Digital.
