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UNC sets football season openers for 2027, 2028
The Tar Heels moved games against FCS opponents North Alabama and North Carolina A&T to late August.
Bill Belichick earns first ranked win in UNC tenure
The Tar Heels finally have a reason to celebrate in the Belichick era.
Pittsburgh Opens as Only Four-Point Favorites vs. UNC
Oddsmakers predict a narrow clash as the undefeated Pittsburgh Panthers host a struggling North Carolina Tar Heels squad.
North Carolina Forecast to Struggle Against Pittsburgh This Week
The North Carolina Tar Heels are being given a low chance to take down Pittsburgh this week.
Three Things UNC Fans Must Know About Pittsburgh
Facing a ranked opponent, the North Carolina Tar Heels must neutralize a high-scoring sophomore quarterback and survive a battle-tested defense.
The UNC Sports Week Ahead: October 5th-11th
It’s a quiet week for UNC sports… Until it isn’t. Following a busy weekend, most of the UNC sports in action take a break until the weekend. Then during the weekend, you’ll have a lot of options for watching the Tar Heels play. This also includes a pretty big debut. UNC Basketball Yes, the regular […]
Should Bill Belichick Remain as North Carolina's Head Coach?
Should Bill Belichick stay with the North Carolina Tar Heels moving forward?
Three Last-Minute North Carolina vs. Notre Dame Predictions
The North Carolina Tar Heels face a juggernaut in Kenan Stadium.
Notre Dame Has One Weakness That North Carolina Can Exploit
The North Carolina Tar Heels have one area that they can exploit against Notre Dame this weekend.
North Carolina Named Among Teams With Final Four Hopes
The Tar Heels have a lot that needs to go their way.
Notre Dame Opponent Preview: North Carolina Tarheels
Marcus Freeman chases a historic 5-0 start as the Irish face Bill Belichick’s revitalized squad. Explore how a high-powered offense and defensive shifts have transformed the Tar Heels.
Should UNC be Three-Touchdown Home Underdogs vs. Notre Dame?
Bill Belichick’s North Carolina Tar Heels face a massive test as three-score home underdogs against unbeaten Notre Dame.
The UNC Sports Week Ahead: September 21st-27th
A quick update on the Tar Heels in action this week
UNC women’s soccer knocks off #2 Duke
The Tar Heels won a thriller to remain atop the ACC standings.
Former Tar Heels Star Caleb Wilson Lands Exciting NBA Update
Former North Carolina Tar Heels star Caleb Wilson is apparently working out with LeBron James before his rookie season.
UNC, Bill Belichick Receive Intriguing Outlook Before Clemson Matchup
The North Carolina Tar Heels and Bill Belichick are not being counted out by any stretch against Clemson.
Tar Heels Handle Business in Home Opener: Biggest Takeaways
North Carolina took care of things against their FCS opponent ahead of a big road game in Clemson. Let's look at some of the key takeaways from Saturday's trium
UNC vs. ETSU Live Discussion
The Tar Heels hope to sharpen their blade before taking on Clemson next weekend.
ETSU vs UNC Prediction, Pick, NCAAF Odds for Sept. 12
Read ETSU Buccaneers vs UNC Tar Heels predictions, picks and odds in our college football betting preview for Saturday, Sept. 12.
UNC vs East Tennessee State live updates: Score, highlights, analysis
UNC plays East Tennessee State in the Tar Heels' home opener. Follow live score updates, highlights, injury news, key plays and instant analysis.
UNC Given Telling Prediction Ahead of East Tennessee State Matchup
The North Carolina Tar Heels have been given a strong prediction entering Week 2 against East Tennessee State.
Belichick, UNC Avoid Investigation Questions With Program In Flux
The Tar Heels had a bye week after upsetting TCU in Week 0.
UNC Slapped With Brutal Bill Belichick Reality Check
The North Carolina Tar Heels have received a harsh take regarding the Bill Belichick era thus far.
Bill Belichick’s job reportedly at risk amidst investigation
The North Carolina Tar Heels might be 1-0 after a win over the TCU Horned Frogs to start the season, but it’s safe to say that things aren’t necessarily going well for Bill Belichick. On Thursday, North Carolina general manager Michael Lombardi resigned from his position amidst an ongoing investigation, and it sounds like that…
Suspended UNC football GM Michael Lombardi resigns amid complaint, investigation
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Michael Lombardi’s tenure at the University of North Carolina was a short one. The Tar Heels’ football general manager resigned from his position on Thursday, according
Bill Belichick’s general manager resigns amidst investigation
Back in July, North Carolina Tar Heels football general manager Michael Lombardi was placed on paid leave in the wake of an internal investigation. Now, he has officially resigned from his post. Less than a week after North Carolina officially began its season with a win over TCU, they will now be without their general…
“2003 Patriots Performance”: Fans React as Bill Belichick Pulls Off an Upset Against TCU in Overseas Classic
Bill Belichick’s second season at North Carolina could not have started any better. The Tar Heels opened their 2026 season with a 15-10 victory over TCU, giving the six-time Super Bowl-winning coach one of the biggest wins of his brief college tenure so far.
For at least 1 week, Bill Belichick has quieted the noise at UNC — and even cracked a smile
The Tar Heels played tough defense, didn't kill themselves with huge mistakes or penalties and generally made life tough for TCU. Sounds a lot like a Belichick-coached team, doesn't it?
What does UNC Tar Heels week zero win mean for Bill Belichick?
UNC opened Bill Belichick’s second season with a 15-10 upset of TCU in Dublin, giving the Tar Heels an early boost after a turbulent offseason in Chapel Hill.
North Carolina opens Belichick's second season with 15-10 win over TCU
Belichick, who won six Super Bowls as an NFL head coach, was 4-8 in his college debut with the Tar Heels last year.
Patriots Legend Bill Belichick Ripped by Paul Finebaum, Given Warning
As an NFL coach, Bill Belichick is arguably the greatest to ever step on the field. He has eight Super Bowls, including six as the head coach of the New England Patriots. However, he’s in college with the North Carolina Tar Heels right now, where he’s been a bit of a bust.Belichick went to UNC […] The post Patriots Legend Bill Belichick Ripped by Paul Finebaum, Given Warning appeared first on HEAVY.
UNC basketball coach Michael Malone describes chaotic start with Tar Heels
During a podcast appearance, UNC basketball coach Michael Malone breaks down his chaotic start with the Tar Heels.
Business journalism studies took her to the White House | UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media
The story by UNC Hussman alumni Brennan Doherty ’19 and video by John Roberts ’16 (M.A.) was originally published on unc.edu. This story is part of a four-part series on Carolina alumni working in Washington, D.C. Soon after her 2015 graduation from UNC-Chapel Hill, Megan Cassella was an intern for the Reuters news agency, eagerly awaiting and prepping for a special assignment. “Every now and then they needed an intern to run over to the White House last minute,” Cassella said. “You have to send your information the night before, so I started proactively sending my information to the White House every single night to be able to go the next day if they ever needed an intern.” Since then, she’s made many return trips to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. in a career that’s included roles at Reuters, Politico, Barron’s and now CNBC, where she works as an on-air Washington correspondent. A longtime newswriter, Cassella made the move to TV in 2024, appearing on broadcasts multiple times daily to report on the biggest political and business stories. But the keys to doing a good job — knowing how to research, asking insightful questions, building relationships and explaining complex topics to a broad audience — remain the same. Did you know: Outside of the state of North Carolina, the Washington region is home to the largest concentration of Tar Heel alumni in the country. Cassella’s time as a Tar Heel was crucial in sharpening those skills, both in the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media and through roles at student-run publications like The Daily Tar Heel. She excelled in Carolina’s business journalism program with former professor Chris Roush, which led to an internship at The Charlotte Observer and helped Cassella find her journalistic niche. A data journalism course with Associate Professor Ryan Thornburg taught her how to find stories in numbers, and former professor Paul O’Connor’s reporting class took Cassella to the North Carolina Capitol weekly, where she gained invaluable experience interviewing politicians. “Those hands-on experiences that Carolina gave me really kept my interest and have really benefited me since I’ve been up here in D.C.,” said Cassella. “I have UNC to thank for the fact that I even went into business journalism in the first place.” Megan Cassella ’15 “You’ve got to thrive on adrenaline in this job. You’ve got to do well with last-minute changes, with running by the seat of your pants.” Megan Cassella ’15 ‘There’s nothing else like it’ In recent months, Cassella has reported live from the G7 Summit in Geneva, covered the latest developments in the U.S.-Iran war and followed changes to trade policy, including tariffs. “Anything in this realm that influences Wall Street, I’ll be covering,” Cassella said. Her working hours are long and variable. After waking up, Cassella immediately checks her phone to see what news broke overnight. By 8:15 a.m., she usually learns which newscasts she’ll be on, and then she heads to the newsroom, White House or wherever her assignment is. “We want you in the 9 a.m. show and the 11, and then the 3 o’clock show wants you, too,” Cassella said, referring to a hypothetical day. If Cassella gets an exclusive or major news breaks, she might be told, “We want that on TV right now.” Within five minutes, she’d be expected to get to the camera, figure out what to say and deliver the news to a live audience. “It’s exciting. It’s nerve-wracking,” Cassella said. “But there’s nothing else like it.” A well-rounded education Cassella grew up in Maryland, the youngest of four kids. Her oldest brother, Brian Cassella ’05, attended Carolina, became a photojournalist and recently won a Pulitzer Prize. She remembers visiting campus as a young child and loving it. “I just always wanted to go,” she said, and that desire grew when she, like her brother, gravitated toward journalism. But it wasn’t just the journalism school that drew Cassella to Carolina. “It was also the whole liberal arts curriculum,” she said. “Even though I always wanted to be a journalist, I got to college, and I sort of felt I had to think about other things. I had to explore my options and see if that’s what I really wanted.” Did you know: In April UNC-Chapel Hill opened its Carolina in the Capital office in Washington. She combined her journalism schooling with a global studies major and a history minor. That broad range of academic experiences in Chapel Hill molded her, preparing Cassella for a career that’s taken her to the highest levels of political journalism and inside the Oval Office. “When you sit back and remember you’re actually sitting inside the White House and asking questions of the president, it’s a cool feeling,” Cassella said. “No matter who is in office, no matter what administration or party, it’s a privilege to be there.” Megan Cassella on… Being a Tar Heel in Washington: I run into Tar Heels all the time. My husband’s a Tar Heel. We actually met here in Washington, not at Carolina, even though we were the same class. Probably most of our friends are still Tar Heels. Even up here in D.C., we all get together for games and March Madness. And through work, there’s Tar Heels all over the place. It’s often used as a connection. Favorite Franklin Street spot: When we go back, our first stop is always IP3. That’s more my husband’s doing than mine. In college, I was a huge Spanky’s fan. Felt like it was a classic spot. May it rest in peace. Advice to journalism students: Reps, reps, reps! Nothing beats the experience you’ll gain by simply starting to do the work — asking the questions, reporting and writing the stories, doing the TV hits. When you can, go places in person. Talk to more people than you think you’ll need. Read as much as you can, from different sources and on different topics. If you’re not sure how to start your story, that usually means you need more reporting. When you’re not sure, ask.
UNC football NIL investigation, explained: Why College Sports Commission is looking into Tar Heels program
UNC's football program is facing more controversy as the College Sports Commission begins an investigation.
What is UNC's rating in EA Sports' College Football video game?
EA Sports has revealed North Carolina’s ratings in the new College Football 27 video game. Here’s UNC’s overall number and which Tar Heels stand out.
North Carolina forces winner-take-all CWS final
The Tar Heels bounced back from a 9-3 loss in Game 1 to force a winner-take-all game Monday night.
UNC vs. West Virginia live blog, updates, highlights and more
The Tar Heels face West Virginia in the College World Series winners' bracket. Follow along on our live blog.
Tar Heels defeat USC 4-3 with ninth-inning rally, heading to College World Series
The North Carolina Tar Heels baseball team defeated the USC Trojans 4-3 on Sunday in a winner-take-all Game 3 of the Chapel Hill Super Regional, giving the Tar Heels their 13th appearance in the College World Series.
Pirates drop Regional Final to Tar Heels 9-3
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCT) — After handling VCU 10-0 earlier in the day, ECU was looking to keep that momentum going into the Regional Final against UNC, but a couple of early errors lead to the Tar Heels plating eights runs in three innings as they win over the Pirates 9-3, advancing to the Super […]
Analyst believes Alexandros Samodurov will commit to UNC
Greek center Alexandros Samodurov is heavily linked to UNC basketball. An analyst believes the Tar Heels are in a strong position.
Northwestern rallies past UNC for NCAA women’s lacrosse title
Northwestern closed on a 5-0 run to stun UNC in the NCAA final, denying the Tar Heels a repeat despite Chloe Humphrey’s record-tying day.
Where UNC lands in USA TODAY Sports' post-spring practice re-rank
An unfavorable 2025 season gives the UNC football team a bleak outlook heading into the fall. Where does USA TODAY Sports rank the Tar Heels?
UNC Hussman offers new sports play-by-play class | UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media
This story, written by UNC Hussman alumna Caroline Daly ’24, was originally published on unc.edu. The UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media has a new, hands-on class available for students interested in sports careers. Students in “MEJO 390: Sports Commentary and Play-By-Play” can call live radio broadcasts for Carolina sporting events, streamed live on the Go Heels website. This spring, 11 students are calling mostly softball games to gain experience and learn the preparation needed for a successful broadcast. The class is capped at a small number to provide consistent, individual feedback. Matt Krause, the radio voice of Carolina women’s basketball, teaches the class to help students sharpen their skills, using his experience with the Tar Heels and calling games for ACC Network and ACC Network Extra. “There is no substitute for live reps, and that is the only way you get better. The classroom component teaches you how to get better, but going about that requires sitting in that chair, making mistakes and being able to know your broadcast is going somewhere,” Krause said. “These students are doing real live games, and they will have tape where if they want to pursue this. They will have ready-made demos to send for jobs. Being able to utilize all the resources of UNC, GoHeels Productions and the Carolina Athletics brand and create these opportunities for students is really impactful.” In the class, students learn fundamentals like how to announce starting lineups for different sports and how to conduct research before games. Krause has led the class in mock preparation exercises, looking at game charts with information about the different teams and players that they can refer to at pivotal moments during the game. Krause and the students then critique each other, listening to clips from the past week to find ways to improve. It’s a rare class without a slew of quizzes or assignments. Their main tasks are calling games and making a portfolio or demo reel of their best calls at the end of the semester, all with the goal of being ready to step into similar roles after graduation. Laible live streams her coverage on the GoHeels website. Calling a live game while broadcasting her coverage allows her to get hands on experience. (Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill) Junior Anna Laible ’27 wished for a class just like this. Her first year at Carolina, she interned with the Coastal Plain League, where she was introduced to play-by-play for baseball. “I enjoy the challenge and uncertainty of each game being different because each sport looks a little different,” said Laible. “Each game is different — not just with teams but what could happen with certain records being broken or random trends. That’s what I enjoy most.” She wanted more opportunities for reps during college to prepare for a career after Carolina, so she pitched an idea for the class to Livis Freeman ’99, distinguished associate professor of sports communication. Laible and Freeman reached out to GoHeels Productions for a partnership and then connected with Krause. “This is how at UNC Hussman we separate ourselves: Our students go into the field ready,” said Freeman. “The biggest compliment we get it is when our students start their careers, they don’t need any hand-holding.” Laible calls a Carolina softball game at Kessing Stadium – after pitching the idea to Hussman faculty. Her interest in sports commentary allowed her to apply her interest as she attends Carolina. (Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill) Laible is now a student in the class, which has helped her strengthen her skills and deepen her passion for the field. The goal is to expand to other sports like soccer, lacrosse and field hockey. “The hands-on experience I’ve gotten here is invaluable. I’ve loved the classes and professors because they’ve taught me a lot, but it’s also the things outside of class, too, that have helped me grow,” said Laible. “Since being at UNC, I’ve grown a lot in the versatility, from doing writing to production and commentating. UNC Hussman and Carolina have given me the ability to be strong and well rounded.”
UNC basketball target chooses ACC rival in transfer portal
UNC and Louisville are no stranger to on-court battles. The Cardinals just won a recruiting battle over the Tar Heels on Wednesday.
UNC basketball under Michael Malone: Insiders reveal transfer portal news, 2026 recruits, roster, best targets
TarHeel247, the 247Sports affiliate of the North Carolina Tar Heels, shares its latest college basketball transfer portal news
Derek Dixon commits to Arizona
UNC will be looking for a new point guard for next season. Derek Dixon, who entered his name into the transfer portal last week, has committed to the University of Arizona and Tommy Lloyd. The freshman averaged 6.5 points per game and led the Tar Heels in assists after he wrestled the starting point guard […]
UNC basketball under Michael Malone: Insiders reveal transfer portal news, 2026 recruits, roster, best targets
TarHeel247, the 247Sports affiliate of the North Carolina Tar Heels, shares its latest college basketball transfer portal news
North Carolina to hire Michael Malone as next basketball coach: Led Nuggets to NBA title in 2022-23
The Tar Heels have landed an unexpected hire as their next coach
What's next for North Carolina coaching search after Tommy Lloyd inks new deal with Arizona?
Here are the top names to know for the Tar Heels after Tommy Lloyd's decision.
UNC basketball has always leaned into tradition, should honor it in coaching search
The Tar Heels have one name that's not the top candidate pundits will throw out, but he just may be the best fit at a place where tradition matters.
Hubert Davis out as North Carolina men's basketball coach after five seasons
North Carolina fired men’s basketball coach Hubert Davis after five seasons during which the Tar Heels won but not at the consistent level of the program’s storied history.
Hubert Davis buyout: What it would cost UNC to move on from coach after first-round NCAA Tournament exit
The Tar Heels' second straight first-round NCAA Tournament exit adds to growing questions about the program's direction
Where to watch North Carolina vs. Western Illinois in March Madness First Round: Time, TV Channel
The No. 4 North Carolina Tar Heels face the 13 Western Illinois Leathernecks in the First Round of the women's NCAA Tournament. Here's how to see all the action.
March Madness scores, winners and losers: North Carolina, Wisconsin collapse, Nebraska makes history
The Cornhuskers celebrated a program first, while the Tar Heels and Badgers are in the news for all the worst reasons
No. 1 Duke blitzes No. 17 North Carolina in the second half on the way to 76-61 win
Duke is out for revenge after the Tar Heels won the rivalry matchup last month in dramatic fashion.
Duke vs. UNC live updates, score: Blue Devils, Tar Heels clash in ranked battle to end regular season
Duke vs. North Carolina live updates: No. 1 Blue Devils closing in on top seed, face No. 17 Tar Heels
The Blue Devils and Tar Heels meet Saturday in a battle that could carry significant NCAA Tournament implications
Duke vs. UNC live updates: No. 1 Blue Devils has eyes on top seed in NCAA Tournament, face No. 17 Tar Heels
The Blue Devils and Tar Heels meet Saturday in a battle that could carry significant NCAA Tournament implications
YouTube Gold: JJ Redick Torches The Tar Heels In 2006
A brilliant game by JJ Redick gave the #2 Blue Devils a big win in Chapel Hill
Previewing Louisville at North Carolina
Louisville Cardinals (20-7, 9-5) at North Carolina Tar Heels (21-6, 9-5) Game Time: 7 p.m. Location: Dean E. Smith Center: Chapel Hill, N.C. Television: ESPN Announcers: Dave O’Brien (play-by-play), Jay Williams (analysis), and Molly McGrath (sideline) Favorite: Louisville by 2.5 Series: North Carolina leads, 20-8 Last Meeting: Louisville won 83-70 on Jan. 1, 2025 in Louisville Series History: Projected Starting Lineups: Louisville North […]
No. 16 North Carolina, Syracuse clash after humbling losses
North Carolina and Syracuse both look to rebound from their most lopsided losses of the season Saturday when the 16th-ranked Tar Heels visit the Orange.
UNC comfortably beats Pitt despite missing key players
Several Tar Heels stepped up in the absence of some of their best players.
No. 11 North Carolina falls to unranked Miami, fresh off dramatic win over Duke
North Carolina didn't get caught looking ahead of last week's Duke game. Instead, the hangover got the Tar Heels.
Seth Trimble hits 3 to cap No. 14 UNC's largest comeback win vs. No. 4 Duke in last 25 years, inspiring 2 court storms
The Tar Heels didn't lead until the final second of the game.
Seth Trimble hits 3 to cap No. 14 UNC's largest comeback win vs. No. 4 Duke in 25 years, inspiring 2 court storms
The Tar Heels didn't lead until the final second of the game.
UNC Basketball vs. Georgia Tech: Live Discussion
Can the Tar Heels conquer their demons and beat the Yellow Jackets on the road?
UNC basketball projected a Top-5 Seed in USA TODAY Sports bracketology
UNC is playing NCAA Tournament-caliber basketball right now. USA TODAY Sports gives the Tar Heels a Top 5 Regional seed in its latest bracketology.
UNC learns 2026 football opponents with schedule release
The North Carolina Tar Heels got a step closer to their 2026 football season, thanks to the ACC announcing a schedule release for all 17 teams.
ACC Roundup - A Dreadful Week For The Heels
What an awful West Coast swing for the Tar Heels
Three takeaways from UNC’s road loss to Stanford
One of the ACC’s newest teams continue to be a headache for the Tar Heels.
UNC women’s basketball takes ugly loss at Notre Dame
The Tar Heels put out a worrying performance in South Bend.
UNC Basketball opens ACC play with win over Florida State
The Tar Heels closed out 2025 on a high note with a conference win over FSU.
UNC's Big Three: Top performers so far in non-conference
As ACC play begins, three Tar Heels have emerged as North Carolina’s top performers and will be critical to the team’s success the rest of the season.
UNC Basketball vs. ECU: Live Discussion
Can the Tar Heels send the Pirates off to sea to wrap up non-conference play?
Top 25 And 1: UNC moves to 11-1 after dramatic CBS Sports Classic victory
The Tar Heels now have one nonconference game remaining before opening ACC play
A new era for sports communication at UNC Hussman | UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media
As director of UNC Hussman’s Sports Communication Focus Program, Distinguished Associate Professor of Sports Communication Livis Freeman is building on the work of the school’s legendary Distinguished Professor for Sports Communication John Sweeney. Sweeney, who retired last year, developed one of the most respected sports communication programs in the country. Freeman, now in his 12th year at the school, is launching an ambitious expansion of the program that is transforming how UNC prepares students for careers in sports media. The most visible change came this fall with a reimagining of “MEJO 377: Sports Communication.” Previously offered as two sections with 30 students each, the course expanded to 96 students and welcomed former UNC basketball star and NBA veteran Tyler Hansbrough as the co-instructor with Freeman, bringing real world professional experience directly into the classroom every week. The course has been a huge success. Students have participated in recording a podcast with Hansbrough and learned from an impressive lineup of guest speakers. Steve Kirschner, UNC’s senior associate director of athletics for communications, was the first in the course’s guest speaker series, followed by UNC Hussman alumni including Kaitlyn Schmidt ’23 from Bleacher Report, Deaton Bell ’90 from Turner Sports and Becca Royer ’19 from the Philadelphia 76ers. Travis Tygart, CEO of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, also shared his insights with the class. The highlight of the semester came when Roy Williams, who coached Hansbrough and the Tar Heels to a national championship in 2009, visited the classroom. Former UNC men’s basketball players Luke Maye and Marcus Ginyard showed up to support their former coach and Hansbrough, creating an unforgettable experience as Williams entertained students with stories and insights that captivated the room. Student demand has been overwhelming. The course reached capacity within two days of registration opening, with more than 40 students on the waitlist. “Students want to learn from people who have actually lived these experiences,” Freeman said. “Tyler shares insights into media relations, broadcast production and athlete communications that you simply can’t get from a textbook.” The model proved so successful that the school secured funding to continue it for the next five years, with a different former professional athlete co-teaching each fall. The school’s curriculum committee approved a proposal to expand the course to 150 to 200 students starting in fall 2026. This change will make it an introductory course accessible to students from across the University, transforming it into a showcase course for the entire campus. The course redesign represents just one piece of a broader sports communication program overhaul. This fall, the curriculum committee approved “MEJO 390: Sports Play by Play,” the first course of its kind at UNC. Limited to 10 advanced students, the course will be taught by Matt Krause, the current voice of UNC women’s basketball and an ACC Network broadcaster. Students will call actual games across multiple sports including women’s softball, soccer, volleyball, field hockey and lacrosse, as well as men’s soccer and lacrosse. They will also shadow broadcasts of men’s and women’s basketball games. “The sports broadcasting industry is exploding with streaming platforms and conference networks creating unprecedented demand,” Freeman said. The course emerged directly from student advocacy, led by Anna Laible ’26 and others who pushed for hands-on broadcasting experience. Professional equipment has been acquired, partnerships with UNC Athletics are in place and a soft launch began this semester with three experienced students calling games to test the system. The program’s growth extends into other specialized areas as well. Last spring, Stembler Professor Charlie Tuggle launched a new sports event management and hospitality course in partnership with On Location, a company that manages major sporting event experiences. The course provided students with opportunities to travel to the Super Bowl and NFL Draft, and Tuggle plans to take a group to the 2026 Milan Olympics this spring. Looking ahead to spring 2026, Associate Professor Ryan Thornburg will debut a sports data visualization course, adding another dimension to the program’s skill-building offerings. The curriculum expansion reflects the increasingly diverse career paths available in sports media, from traditional journalism and broadcasting to digital analytics and strategic communication. The program is also diving into one of college athletics’ most transformative developments: Name, Image and Likeness rights. Freeman’s “MEJO 466: Sports Marketing” class collaborated last spring with Associate Professor Gary Kayye’s “MEJO 371: Advertising Creative” class on a project with UNC’s Carolina NIL group to help rebrand their organization. That same semester, Kayye’s class envisioned Chapel Thrill, UNC football’s new pregame concert and entertainment experience. And Shaun Anderson, the school’s Knight Chair in Sports, Race and Media, continues to explore the broader implications of NIL through his research and teaching. These NIL-focused initiatives give students direct exposure to the business side of college athletics at a moment when the landscape is rapidly evolving. “Our students aren’t just learning about these changes,” Freeman said. “They’re actively helping shape how schools and athletes navigate them.” The transformation of UNC Hussman’s sports communication program reflects a broader philosophy about how to prepare students for careers in a rapidly changing industry. By bringing in professional practitioners like Hansbrough and Krause, partnering with industry leaders like On Location and ACC Network, and engaging with current issues like NIL, the program ensures students graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. For alumni who remember the foundations John Sweeney built, the expansion represents an evolution rather than a departure. The program still emphasizes strong reporting, strategic communication, ethical communication and critical thinking. But now it also offers students the chance to call live games, work on real NIL campaigns and learn directly from former professional athletes. “We’re not just teaching students about sports media,” Freeman said. “We’re giving them the tools, experiences and connections to actually build careers in it.” With new courses launching, professional partnerships deepening and enrollment expanding, UNC Hussman’s sports communication program is positioning itself as a national leader in preparing the next generation of sports media professionals. For current students, the message is clear: if you’re interested in sports communication, there’s never been a better time to be at UNC Hussman. And for the hundreds of students trying to get off waitlists and into these new courses, the school is working to create more opportunities. The program John Sweeney built is growing in ways that honor his legacy while meeting the demands of a new era in sports media.