The North Carolina Tar Heels are feeling good after Week 0, beating TCU 15-10 to open their season with a win over TCU. After a disastrous start to the 2025 season, which worsened as the season went on, the Tar Heels finished just 4-8.
So going into this season, it was a big deal to get a Week 0 win for Bill Belichick and his team. While there was a lot to like about the win in Ireland, one new Tar Heel made a good first impression.
There wasn't a better player on offense than tight end Jelani Thurman. The former Ohio State product who transferred to UNC this offseason finished the game with four receptions for 94 yards. He has already set a career high in receiving yards in just one game and is giving UNC fans some hope that they have an offensive
weapon.
He caught the attention of Belichick as well.
“Jelani gave us some explosive plays, especially early in the game, to kind of get us started there,” Belichick said after the game. “And then the pass and on the naked in the flat was a big first down there at the end on the last drive.”
Thurman became a top target for quarterback Billy Edwards, who was making his first start after transferring to North Carolina.
The hope is that the 6-foot-6, 245-pound tight end becomes a big-time target all season long in North Carolina's offense. While he didn't get the playing time at Ohio State, he appears to have found a role early on in his new spot.
“I’m truly grateful,” Thurman said. “Being able to come in here and fit the offense, be a key player in the offense, be a highlighted player in the offense, and be able to catch some balls from Billy. And to be coached by one of the best some of the coaches in the game, I mean, I can’t complain. It’s good football. I’m ready to play.”
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: Jelani Thurman makes good first impression for UNC
