Unc Vs. Etsu Prediction: Which Tar Heels Will Star In Week 2?

Bill Belichick is always complimentary of an opponent. 

That doesn’t change as UNC football prepares for its home opener against FCS opponent East Tennessee State on Saturday, Sept. 12 (Noon ET, ACC Network) at Kenan Stadium. 

During his weekly press conference, Belichick described the Buccaneers (1-1) as a “pretty impressive team” that can create some “big challenges” for the Tar Heels (1-0). UNC is paying ETSU $450,000 for making the trip to Chapel Hill, according to the game contract. 

Buy UNC football tickets

Since losing to Furman in 1999, the Heels have won 25 games in a row against FCS opponents. Here are some things to know and a prediction for UNC vs. East Tennessee State in Week 2 of the 2026 college football season.

Demon June, UNC football run game vs ETSU

The Tar Heels averaged 3.1 yards per carry against TCU in the season opener, unable to gain traction in the run game against an experienced group up front for the Horned Frogs. UNC only had two running plays of more than 10 yards against TCU, but running back Demon June had six carries for 25 yards on the final drive to help the Heels close the game in the victory formation. June was UNC’s most consistent threat on the ground last season, bursting onto the scene with 148 yards and a touchdown against FCS opponent Richmond. The sophomore from Jacksonville could be in line for a similar performance against the Bucs. 

Jaylen Harvey, UNC defensive line vs ETSU QB Mason Mims 

“Explosive” was the word Belichick used several times to describe East Tennessee State, which is averaging 42.5 points and 506 yards of offense through two games. Louisville transfer Mason Mims is the Bucs’ QB, completing 74.2% of his passes for 615 yards and five TDs through two starts. The Tar Heels didn’t allow points in the final 49 minutes against TCU, leaning on a dominant effort by the defensive line to keep the Frogs uncomfortable.  Xavier Lewis was the star in that game, but Jaylen Harvey continues to look ready for a breakout season. The sophomore Penn State transfer had five tackles and two QB hurries vs. TCU. Harvey could have a big day vs. ETSU. 

CJ Sadler, young Tar Heels have opportunity vs ETSU

If the Tar Heels take care of business with a fast start, they have an opportunity to see their depth and development in a game that should help them prepare for the ACC schedule. That’ll be vital for a team with 60 newcomers, including 40 freshmen. Five of those rookies got snaps on both sides of the ball against TCU, with receiver CJ Sadler (26 snaps) leading the group. Tight end Carson Sneed (10), defensive linemen Trey Giddens (13) and David Jackson (8), along with defensive back Kenton Dopson III (6), also got opportunities overseas. They’ll likely get more this weekend. What they do with that opportunity will determine future chances. 

UNC vs ETSU score prediction

UNC 52, East Tennessee State 12: The Buccaneers haven't beaten a major-conference opponent since taking down Vanderbilt in 2021. Coming off a season-opening win against TCU in Ireland and continued off-the-field headlines, the Tar Heels will be ready to get back on the field. Following an impressive start from the starters, Bill Belichick ought to get a good look at his less experienced players.

Rodd Baxley covers North Carolina Tar Heels athletics for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his ACC coverage on X/Twitter or Bluesky: @RoddBaxley. Got questions regarding UNC? Send them to rbaxley@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: UNC vs. ETSU prediction: Which Tar Heels will star in Week 2?

Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.