ESPN TO HOST COLLEGE FOOTBALL COUNTDOWN LIVE FROM CHAPEL HILL BEFORE BELICHICK’S DEBUT ON LABOR DAY NIGHT
In a historic kickoff to UNC’s 2025 season, ESPN will broadcast a special one-hour edition of College Football Countdown live from Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill on Monday, September 1, just before Bill Belichick makes his highly anticipated collegiate coaching debut against TCU .
The pregame show airs from 7–8 p.m. ET, giving fans a front-row experience on the sidelines before kickoff. Hosted by Matt Barrie, the panel includes distinguished analysts such as Tedy Bruschi, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee, Nick Saban, and insider Pete Thamel—all offering insight into UNC’s transformation under Belichick .
Receiver Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, and Holly Rowe will call the game live beginning at 8 p.m. ET, wrapping up ESPN’s premier Week 1 coverage as North Carolina launches its football season under a legendary new coach .
—
🎙 Why This Moment Matters
Belichick’s First College Game: With six NFL championships to his name, Belichick’s regular-season debut at the college level marks a dramatic shift—and ESPN is treating it like a national event .
Star-Studded Analyst Lineup: The broadcast features voices deeply tied to Belichick’s legacy—Bruschi played under him in New England, while Nick Saban once served as his coaching tree protégé .
UNC Football Frenzy: The energy surrounding this season is off the charts. All tickets for home games have already sold out (a program first), and national media attention continues to spiral .
—
North Carolina’s head coach Bill Belichick, aged 73, steps onto the college field with not only coaching prestige, but a bold vision rooted in NFL-style discipline and strategy . With 41 roster transfers, the program is set for a full rebuild—making media attention and broadcast coverage all the more critical in shaping this new era .
UNC fans can expect more than just football — they’re witnessing the launch of a transformation.
