ESPN isn’t waiting for Bill Belichick to call a single play in Chapel Hill. The network is already stacking the deck in his favor, betting big on the Belichick buzz to deliver a “Prime Effect” level of interest for North Carolina Tar Heels football in 2025.

Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick drew significant attention at Thursday’s ACC Media Day in Charlotte, where he discussed the University of North Carolina’s (UNC) upcoming season. However, questions about his relationship with Jordon Hudson continued to dominate much of the coverage.

Much remains unknown about the Tar Heels’ on-field product, but Chapel Bill’s presence loomed large over the proceedings in Charlotte on Thursday.

Belichick avoided the rows of radio reporters in the hotel lobby and spent much of the morning in a hallway outside the green room for players and coaches, down the hall from private rooms for interviews with ESPN.com, SiriusXM and the ACC Digital Network.

O’Brien believes Belichick’s presence will be transformative in Chapel Hill.

Bill Belichick is already facing high expectations for his first year as UNC head coach, and one of his counterparts made a bold prediction.

Lopez emerged as a dynamic dual-threat option for South Alabama last season. He ended the year with 2,559 yards and 18 touchdowns against just five interceptions while completing 66% of his passes. He also ran for 465 yards and seven touchdowns on 5.6 yards per carry.