North Carolina and TCU renew Dublin opener with new quarterbacks

North Carolina and TCU open the 2026 season Saturday in Dublin, renewing a matchup TCU won 48-14 in last year's opener — this time with both programs handing the offense to new starting quarterbacks.

The rematch comes with a clear gap in recent results: TCU returns eight starters after going 9-4 in 2025, while North Carolina went 4-8 and 2-6 in the ACC. Harvard transfer Jaden Craig takes over for TCU. Wisconsin transfer Billy Edwards Jr. won North Carolina's job over Miles O'Neill, bringing nearly 1,000 power-conference snaps with him.

Bill Belichick said Edwards' experience settled the decision. "Billy is probably a little more consistent. [Edwards] has more experience. That showed up over the long haul," Belichick said.

Saturday's game will be played at Aviva Stadium, home to Ireland's national rugby and soccer teams. Five of the past six college football games staged there were decided by three points or fewer, and underdogs have won three of the past four outright. The forecast calls for an 80% chance of showers, low winds and highs near 65 degrees.

North Carolina plays East Tennessee State on Sept. 12; TCU hosts Grambling that same night. But first, North Carolina is 0-8 all-time against Big 12 teams — a streak Saturday's rematch could either extend or end.