The wait is over. Today at 12 p.m., your North Carolina Tar Heels face the Clemson Tigers in both programs' ACC football opener.
UNC (2-0) is one of the top early-season surprises in college football, primarily thanks to its 15-10 upset of TCU in Week Zero. North Carolina smacked ETSU two weeks later, 35-3, showcasing its lowly preseason expectations might be a thing of the past.
Clemson (1-1) is one of the ACC's top football programs this century, developing into a national powerhouse under head coach Dabo Swinney. The 2026 Tigers suffered their most embarrassing defeat of Swinney's tenure in Week One, a 51-10 loss at LSU, then won a closer-than-expected game vs. Georgia Southern by just 13 points. This is the same Clemson team that, entering
2026, had ACC dark horse consideration.
What's the main reason behind the Tar Heels' early-season success? There's multiple reasons, but defense takes priority. Xavier Lewis (6.5 TFLs, four sacks) leads one of the country's top pass-rushing units. UNC aced the transfer portal with starting linebackers Derek McDonald and Peyton Seelmann, who each have double-digit tackling games under their belts.
UNC's offense is deeper, generates plenty more big plays and consistently moves the football under offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino. Wisconsin transfer Billy Edwards is a sizable upgrade over Gio Lopez at quarterback, Demon June is the big-play running back in another deep room, while Ohio State transfer Jelani Thurman finally gives North Carolina another true, TE1.
If you're in Clemson, good luck in what should be a massive sea of Orange. If you're watching this ACC clash on TV, your favorite streaming device, listening on the radio or somewhere else, keep reading below for more broadcast information.
Stream UNC at Clemson
What channel is North Carolina at Clemson on Saturday? Time, TV schedule, radio
TV Channel: ESPN
Time: 12 p.m. ET
Radio: SiriusXM (Channels 82 (Clemson broadcast) and 234 (UNC broadcast))
Website: WatchESPN
Where to watch UNC-Clemson football on live stream
Stream UNC-Clemson football
UNC at Clemson prediction, picks, odds
UNC enters a hostile environment this weekend at Clemson, a place it hasn't won since before the iPhone became a thing. North Carolina is currently dealing with off-the-field headlines, first with a pair of freshman receivers and most recently with Steve Belichick's resignation. Regardless, the Tar Heels are 2-0, a shocking start to many, including their own fanbase. UNC's defense is one of the country's best through two games, with an emphasis on getting after the quarterback. North Carolina doesn't allow opposing quarterbacks to get comfortable, with a true freshman in Tait Reynolds its next test on Saturday.
The Tar Heels are well-balanced and much-improved on offense, with Bobby Petrino a much-welcomed offseason addition on the ever-changing coaching staff. Despite a Week 1 blowout loss and struggles on both sides of the ball, Clemson will be playing in front of what should be a loud, restless crowd this weekend. UNC delivers another shocking upset, one that'll vault it into the rankings early next week.
Score prediction: UNC 24, Clemson 16
All College Football Odds via BetMGM
SPREAD: Clemson -3
MONEYLINE: North Carolina 138, Clemson -165
O/U TOTAL: 43.5
UNC Football 2026 schedule
August 29: vs. TCU in Dublin, Ireland (W, 15-10
September 12: vs. ETSU (W, 35-3)
Sept. 19: at Clemson (12 p.m.)
October 3: vs. Notre Dame
Oct. 10: at Pitt
Oct. 17: at Duke
Oct. 24: vs. Syracuse
Oct. 31: vs. Miami (FL)
November 7: at UConn
Nov. 14: vs. Louisville
Nov. 21: at Virginia
Nov. 28: vs. NC State
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: What channel is UNC's 2026 ACC football opener at Clemson on?
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