North Carolina Beats UConn 38-21 Behind Edwards
North Carolina snapped a two-game losing streak in Bill Belichick's first return to coaching in New England since his Patriots tenure ended.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Football
North Carolina defeated UConn 38-21 in East Hartford, Conn., with quarterback Billy Edwards throwing three touchdown passes. The win came on the first game back in New England for Bill Belichick since his Patriots tenure ended.
Why it matters
The victory snapped North Carolina's two-game losing streak and was built on forcing turnovers, with the defense generating 21 points from three UConn giveaways. The result moves North Carolina to 5-4 on the season.
Billy Edwards threw three touchdown passes, and Timir Hickman-Collins returned an interception 62 yards for a score, with Benjamin Hall adding 81 rushing yards on nine carries. Jelani Thurman's eight touchdown catches tie the North Carolina single-season record for tight end touchdowns.
The players
Bill Belichick
Former New England Patriots head coach whose first game back in New England since his Patriots tenure ended came against UConn.
Billy Edwards
North Carolina quarterback who threw three touchdown passes in the win over UConn.
Jelani Thurman
North Carolina tight end who caught a touchdown pass to close the scoring and now has eight touchdown catches on the season.
The details
Edwards connected with Jordan Shipp on a 6-yard touchdown pass after Hickman-Collins recovered a fumble, and Thurman caught a 3-yard touchdown pass with 3:38 remaining. Cyncir Bowers finished the scoring with a 13-yard touchdown run set up by Osborne's completions of 23 and 28 yards.
Timeline
November 7, 2026: North Carolina defeats UConn 38-21 in East Hartford, Conn.
November 14, 2026: North Carolina hosts Louisville.
November 14, 2026: UConn hosts James Madison.
Season Trajectory
The win lifts North Carolina to 5-4 after a two-game skid, keeping its season in competitive contention within the ACC. The result reflects a defense that is generating turnovers at a rate that can decide close conference games.
North Carolina's win affects fantasy rosters for Thurman, who now has eight touchdown catches, and for Edwards, who threw three scoring passes. The Tar Heels return home next week to face Louisville, which shapes how their remaining schedule plays out for bowl positioning.
The takeaway
North Carolina's defense showed that forcing turnovers can cover for an uneven offense, a pattern that matters most in tight conference games. Readers tracking the season should watch whether that turnover margin holds against Louisville.
What happens next
North Carolina hosts Louisville on November 14, 2026.
Further reading
For more college football coverage, see the Football section.
