CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina defensive coordinator Steve Belichick is on medical leave. Head coach Bill Belichick announced his son’s absence Thursday morning with the Tar Heels during the second week of preseason camp. Belichick offered no details but said the team hoped to have his son back “as soon as possible.” He also said the defensive staff already works collectively when asked how the team would adjust during his son’s absence. UNC opens the season Aug. 29 against TCU in Dublin, Ireland.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) — Quarterback Gio Lopez has transferred from the spotlight of Bill Belichick's North Carolina program to be with his former offensive coordinator at Wake Forest. Lopez thrived under coordinator Rob Ezell in 2024 when the two were together at South Alabama. The Demon Deacons opened preseason camp this week with Lopez saying he's comfortable running Ezell's offense. That comes after Lopez was part of the Tar Heels' losing year as Belichick transitioned to the college ranks for the first time.
BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) — There’s plenty of new around the California football program as the Golden Bears get set to open fall camp for the upcoming season. First-year coach Tosh Lupoi has overhauled the staff, the roster has been infused by more than 30 transfers and the expectations are rising for a program that has won more than seven games just once in the past 10 seasons. One of the main reasons for those hopes rely on one of the most important pieces that is back at Cal with sophomore quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele looking to build on his successful freshman campaign.
UNDATED (AP) — Ohio State and Oregon hold the top two spots in the USA Today preseason coaches football poll. Ohio State received 38 of the 72 first-place votes, while Oregon got six. Georgia is third with seven first-place votes. Texas and Notre Dame round out the top five. Defending national champion Indiana is sixth with 14 first-place votes. The Southeastern Conference has five of the top 10 teams. The Associated Press preseason Top 25 poll will be released on August 17.
UNDATED (AP) — The NCAA has women's flag football on the fast track to becoming a championship sport. There could be a national title game as early as spring 2028, before the LA Games, where flag football will make its Olympic debut. More than 120 schools are slated to field a team this academic year. A vote in January by Division I, II, and III officials could cement the sport's inclusion. Schools are already recruiting and game-planning to build championship rosters. The NFL has thrown its weight behind the sport, sponsoring teams and tournaments, and USA Football is developing players to bring home an Olympic medal.
