Bill Belichick receives game ball after UNC’s first ranked win over Pitt

North Carolina’s 21‑17 upset of Pitt earned coach Bill Belichick a game ball from wide receiver Jordan Shipp, marking his first win against a ranked opponent at UNC.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 10 Oct 2026 22:48:58 GMT

North Carolina defeated No. 25 Pittsburgh 21‑17 on Saturday, giving head coach Bill Belichick his first ranked win at the university and a game ball presented by wide receiver Jordan Shipp, according to Bleacher Report.

What happened

The Tar Heels trailed 10‑0 early, falling behind 10‑7 at halftime. A 75‑yard touchdown reception by tight end Shamar Easter gave UNC a four‑point lead late in the third quarter. After a one‑yard rush by running back Demon June early in the fourth, UNC held a 21‑17 advantage to the final whistle.

What the reports add

Bleacher Report’s video‑focused story notes that Shipp told Belichick in the locker room, “Before we break, first ranked win… Plenty more to come. You’ve gone through a lot of fire, you helped us prepare, you do a lot for us. First game ball, Coach B.” (Source 1). The same outlet’s box‑score article provides additional details: Pitt entered as a 3.5‑point favorite, backup quarterback Holden Geriner started after starter Mason Heintschel suffered a torn ACL, and Pitt opened the game with a 75‑yard drive capped by a two‑yard rush from La'Vell Wright (Source 2). Both pieces confirm UNC’s record improving to 3‑2 on the season, while Pitt fell to 5‑1.

What was said

Jordan Shipp’s locker‑room comment was quoted in the video posted on X, as reported by Bleacher Report (Source 1). No other direct quotations from coaches or players appear in the two sources.

How it came about

Belichick’s tenure at UNC began last season, when the team posted a 4‑8 record (Source 1). Earlier in the campaign, Felo News covered his sideline interview after a win over Clemson (Clemson‑beat‑UNC) and the resignation of defensive coordinator Steve Belichick (Steve‑Belichick‑Resigns). The Pitt upset marks the first time Belichick has guided UNC to a victory over a ranked opponent.

Key facts

UNC beat No. 25 Pitt 21‑17 on Saturday. (bleacherreport.com)
The win was Bill Belichick's first ranked victory as UNC head coach. (bleacherreport.com)
Wide receiver Jordan Shipp presented Belichick with a game ball in the locker room. (bleacherreport.com)
UNC improved to 3‑2 on the season; Pitt fell to 5‑1. (bleacherreport.com)