Photos: UNC battered by UCF in college football action
By Robert Willett
Down 13-0 in the second quarter to the University of Central Florida, North Carolina defensive coordinator Steve Belichick studies a replay on the scoreboard during a time-out on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando, Fla.
Robert Willett
rwillett@newsobserver.com
The University of North Carolina Tar Heels and head coach Bill Belichick travel to Orlando to face the University of Central Florida Knights, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
The Tar Heels enter the game at 2-1 in the season with wins over UNC Charlotte and Richmond, and UCF is undefeated at 2-0 with wins over Jacksonville State and NC A&T.
UCF overpowered the Tar Heels for a 34-9 win.
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick waits to enter Acrisure Bounce House Stadium with his players for the Tar Heels’ game against UCF on Saturday, September 20, 2025 in Orlando, Fla. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina quarterback Max Johnson (14) is pressured by UCF defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) in the third quarter on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando, Fla. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina running back Demon June (35) leaves the field following the Tar Heels’ 34-9 loss to UCF on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando, Fla. June was held to 50 yards rushing in the loss. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick leaves the field following the Tar Heels’ 34-9 loss to UCF on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando, Fla. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
UCF running back Jaden Nixon (5) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter to seal the Golden Knights’ 34-9 victory over the Tar Heels on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando, Fla. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
UCF running back Jaden Nixon (5) slips past North Carolina defensive back Gavin Gibson (5) on a five-yard run in the fourth quarter to secure the Golden Knights’ 34-9 victory over the Tar Heels on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando, Fla. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Down 27-9, North Carolina coach Bill Belichick studies the scoreboard during a time-out in the fourth quarter against UCF on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando, Fla. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
UCF quarterback Jacurri Brown (11) breaks open for a nine-yard gain ahead of North Carolina nickel Coleman Bryson (16) in the fourth quarter on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando, Fla. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick signals to his assistant coaches during the third quarter of play against UCF on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando, Fla. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina quarterback Gio Lopez (7) is stopped by UCF defensive tackle R.J. Jackson Jr. (95) after a gain of one yard for a first down in the third quarter on Saturday, September 20, 2025 in Orlando, Fla. Lopez was injured on the play and did not finish the game. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina quarterback Gio Lopez (7) stopped after a three-yard gain by UCF safety Phillip Dunnam (2) and linebacker Lewis Carter (20) in the third quarter on Saturday, September 20, 2025 in Orlando, Fla. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina quarterback Gio Lopez (7) is tripped up and sacked for a three-yard loss in the second quarter against UCF on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando, Fla. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina quarterback Gio Lopez (7) is pressured by UCF defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) in the second quarter on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando, Fla. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
University of Central Florida quarterback Tayven Jackson (2) scrambles out of the pocket in the first quarter against North Carolina on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando, Fla. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina running back Demon June (35) breaks open for a 13-yard gain in the second quarter against the University of Central Florida on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando, Fla. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina wide receiver Shanard Clower (85) picks up 11 yards after a pass reception from quarterback Gio Lopez in the second quarter against Central Florida on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando, Fla. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina running back Demon June (35) is stopped by UCF defensive back Demari Henderson (8) after a 13-yard gain in the second quarter on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando, Fla. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina running back Demon June (35) signals for a first down after a 13-yard gain in the second quarter against the University of Central Florida on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando, Fla. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick talks with UCF head coach Scott Frost prior to the Tar Heels’ game against UCF on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando, Fla. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina quarterback Gio Lopez (7) warms up for the Tar Heels’ game against the University of Central Florida on Saturday, September 20, 2025 in Orlando, Fla. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina offensive lineman Austin Blaske (58) warms up for the Tar Heels’ game against the University of Central Florida on Saturday, September 20, 2025 in Orlando, Fla. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Jordan Hudson talks with North Carolina coach Bill Belichick prior to the Tar Heels’ game against UCF on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando, Fla. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina defensive back Will Hardy (31) warms up for the Tar Heels’ game against the University of Central Florida on Saturday, September 20, 2025 in Orlando, Fla. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick talks with Jordan Hudson prior to the Tar Heels’ game against UCF on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando, Fla. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Jordan Hudson catches a glimpse of North Carolina coach Bill Belichick as he enters the field for the Tar Heels’ game against UCF on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando, Fla. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick enters the field with his players for the Tar Heels’ game against UCF on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando, Fla. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
This story was originally published September 20, 2025 at 3:31 PM.
