Belichick's Tar Heels won't host recruits for ETSU game after self-reporting recruiting violation

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina won't host recruits for Saturday's home debut against East Tennessee State after self-reporting a recruiting violation, the latest bump for NFL coaching great Bill Belichick's program.

In a statement, UNC spokesman Kevin Best said the Tar Heels aren't allowed to host unofficial visits because of the violation. While hosting recruits on official visits was permitted, Best said the program decided “to concentrate our official visits on the remaining five home games.”

“The situation has been properly resolved through the NCAA process, and we have worked with the NCAA and University compliance on appropriate and corrective action,” he said.

The Tar Heels went 4-8 last year in Belichick's first college season, marked by shaky play on the field and unwanted headlines off it, such as an assistant coach being briefly suspended for violating NCAA rules. Troubles have reached into 2026, including general manger Michael Lombardi resigning last week amid a school investigation into conduct within the program.

The Tar Heels (1-0) beat TCU in Ireland to open the year, and Saturday's home opener comes against a Championship Subdivision opponent.

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