After ending the 2023 season on a three-game skid, an unranked UNC football squad is looking to bounce back. Predicted to finish eighth in the ACC this season, here's a look ahead at North Carolina's 2024 schedule:
To kick off the year, the Tar Heels will travel to Minnesota on Thursday to face a talented Gopher team. Since they beat the garnet-and-yellow in Chapel Hill last season, UNC is looking to win its first true road season opener since 1992. Importantly, this game will set the tone for the season.
After starting the season on the road, the Tar Heels will return to Kenan Stadium for a three-game home stint.
North Carolina will face the rest of their non-conference opponents over three weeks, starting with UNC Charlotte on Sept. 7 followed by North Carolina Central University and James Madison University.
UNC Charlotte finished last season with a 3-9 record, but any in-state opponent will be a test for the Tar Heels. NCCU is a team that UNC should keep on their radar, as the Eagles finished the 2023 season with a 9-3 record and will come to Chapel Hill hungry on Sept. 14.
The Tar Heels will look to end their non-conference schedule on a positive note when James Madison makes the journey to Chapel Hill on Sept. 21. The Dukes finished the 2023 season with an 11-2 record, rolling past numerous Sun Belt conference powerhouses. However, the team lost head coach Curt Cignetti to Indiana University after their last conference game.
Next on the docket is an oh-so-familiar foe: Duke.
After squeaking by their long-time rivals last season in double overtime, North Carolina looks to extend their win streak against Duke to six.