​North Carolina’s September 12 showdown with East Tennessee State at Kenan Stadium stands out as the Tar Heels’ sole clear-cut favorite on a challenging upcoming schedule. ETSU, UNC’s lone non-Power Five foe, is an FCS program from the Southern Conference that went 7-5 overall and 5-3 in league play last season, finishing third in the nine-team SoCon. The Buccaneers ranked 15th nationally in total offense but 90th in total defense and were routed by Tennessee, 72-17, in their only FBS game that year. This season, UNC is the only Power Five program on ETSU’s schedule.
The contest follows UNC’s Week 0 opener against TCU in Dublin, Ireland, by two weeks. Regardless of the result against the Horned Frogs, ETSU should provide UNC with an opportunity to add to the win column and to give younger players extended snaps. ETSU employed a three-quarterback rotation last season. Cade McNamara, who transferred from Michigan and Iowa, started eight games; his brother Jake McNamara also saw action, and former UNC quarterback Jacolby Criswell appeared in eight games and started four. With Criswell now in the Canadian Football League and Cade McNamara pursuing NFL opportunities, Jake McNamara is the presumed starter after passing for 305 yards and two touchdowns in 2024.
The Buccaneers must replace significant offensive production, including 1,000-yard rusher Devontae Houston and substantial portions of their receiving corps and defense. Running back Jason Albritton is expected to shoulder a heavier load after rushing for more than 500 yards and eight touchdowns as the No. 2 back last season, while defensive back Mike Jenkins returns after recording 59 tackles, three pass breakups, and an interception. ETSU is led by coach Will Healy, who is entering his second season at the helm. Healy previously served as associate head coach at Georgia State and UCF and was the head coach at Austin Peay from 2016-18 and at Charlotte from 2019-22.
Keep up with ongoing Tar Heels coverage by following us on X at @TarHeelsWire and liking our Facebook page for updates, notes, and opinions on North Carolina football. This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire under the title UNC Football Schedule Lookahead: East Tennessee State.