Dublin, Ireland– College Football has made its long awaited return to the screen after a 7 month hiatus. The 2026 campaign kicked off overseas in Ireland for the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Texas Christian Horned Frogs.

This week 0 bout between two of college sport’s biggest brands did NOT disappoint as Aviva Stadium was rocking for some good ole fashioned “American Football”. Vibes were high, pints were pulled at concessions, pads were popped all night long, and there were even multiple Hypno-Toad appearances on the Jumbotron. Between the Irishmen who’ve never had an opportunity to experience a College Football Saturday, the most diehard devoted CFB fan and everyone in between- we can break all boarders and agree that was an awesome game.

Scoring Summary

Both UNC and TCU opened the night trading Field Goals as Tar Heels’ kicker Aeron Burrell knocked a 20 yarder right down the pipes, followed immediately by Frogs’ Kyle Lemmermann unleashing a 31 yard boot. TCU’s offense immediately found themselves back with possession and punched in the opening score of the season as Jon Denman flew into the end zone on a 2 yard score (10-3, 1Q 4:00). As the first quarter drew to a close, UNC would once again tie things up after Jaylen McGill scored on a 9 yard rush (10-10, 1Q 1:04).

There would be limited action over the next quarter, until special teams debauchery took place out in Ireland. With just over a minute remaining in the half, TCU’s special teams unit would launch a long snap above the Frogs punter’s head resulting in 2 points for the Tar Heels (12-0, 2Q 1:00).

The final points of the game would come on a 2 8 yard attempt from UNC’s Aeron Burrell early in the 3rd (15-10, 3Q 10:03).

Notable Stats

As the final whistle blew, it was all Tar Heels as UNC defeats Texas Christian 15-10. In true Bill Belichick fashion, it was a total team effort, especially from the Heels’ offense. QB Billy Edwards Jr. was surgical for UNC, going 16/28 for 238 yards with no scores or turnovers. Edwards found WR Jordan Shipp for 5 receptions and 71 yards, paired with a 4 catch, 91 yard night from Jelani Thurman. Defensively, Senior LB Derek McDonald led the way, earning 11 total tackles. UNC’s front 7 found the TCU backfield 3 times, as IDL Xavier Lewis recorded 2 sacks on the night.

For Texas Christian, things certainly started hot on offense, and then cooled off rapidly to a freezing halt. Horned Frogs’ RB Jeremy Payne recorded 147 yards from scrimmage, with 93 being recorded in the first half of play. In his FBS debut, TCU QB Jaden Craig left much to be desired, going 20/32 for 175 yards. While Craig was certainly a game wrecker in the Ivy Leagues for Harvard last fall, it’s only fair to give the upperclassman passer a little adjustment to P4 ball.

Following the game, UNC Head Coach Bill Belichick showed his appreciation for the Tar Heels’ time in Dublin:

“We appreciate the hospitality from Ireland, from Dublin, and from all the fans that were here that attended the game locally….. It was a great experience for our team….You know TCU is a good football team, and they certainly did some things that were difficult for us. But I thought our players responded well and try to step up to the challenge. Got a lot of big plays…”