"Definitely want to get up there": Bill Belichick's UNC move has top 2026 class recruit show interest in the program
Quarterback Jared Curtis from the 2026 Class is excited about Bill Belichick coaching for the North Carolina Tar Heels. The six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach signed a five-year deal to join UNC next season. Curtis shared with On3 an interest in going to North Carolina to speak with the former NFL coach.
"Arguably the greatest coach of all time. Definitely want to go up there and meet him!," Curtis said via On3.
Curtis plays for the Nashville Christian School in Nashville, Tennessee. He is expected to be the top quarterback prospect of the 2026 college football class.
247Sports shared that Curtis has already received offers from nine teams, including the Colorado Buffaloes and the Texas Longhorns. The publication also noted that the quarterback committed to the Georgia Bulldogs on Mar. 23 but changed his mind on Oct. 17.
His latest comments on Belichick signing with UNC could be an encouraging sign that he would be interested in playing for the Tar Heels in 2026. The team is looking to rebuild under the leadership of the former NFL coach.
North Carolina (6-6, 3-5 Atlantic Coast Conference) took a step back this season and was among the worst teams in their conference. Last year, they won eight games and were placed seventh in the ACC standings.
UNC Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham fired Tar Heel coach Mack Brown before the season's final game. The team finished the year with a 35-30 loss to the North Carolina State Wolfpack at home in Week 14 on Nov. 30.
Although fans were initially unhappy with the move, Belichick's arrival brings optimism that he can improve the team.
Bill Belichick's contract details
Belichick has agreed to a five-year $50 million deal to coach for North Carolina. He'll earn $10 million annually as he hopes to lead his team to become the best in the ACC conference.
Bubba Cunningham spoke about hiring the Super Bowl-winning coach in a press conference on Thursday.
"Coach Belichick has demonstrated his passion for teaching, for coaching, and for lifelong learning, and he's an absolute perfect fit for us at this time in the history of the University. In the history of college sports," Cunningham said.
Belichick will have the fanbase's attention as he makes decisions on staff and the roster during the offseason. Based on Curtis' comments, other players may also be interested in speaking with the new UNC coach.