UNC Football Ramping Up Intensity as Fall Training Camp Hits 1-Week Mark

Thursday morning marked one week of UNC’s fall training camp, and head coach Bill Belichick said the team has been steadily ramping up the intensity of its sessions. Wednesday was the Tar Heels’ first day of practice in pads, as the “acclimation period” portion of camp comes to an end.

“The competition really starts this week,” Belichick said. “This acclimation period tempers the physical side of the game. Now that we’re able to get into that, we can actually run things at the speed and tempo as close as possible in practice as it will be in the games. The next 10 days or so will really be the competition part of camp for us. I don’t think you can have a competition with helmets. We need more than that.”

Thursday’s practice was a brief respite from that buildup, as the Tar Heels returned to an unpadded practice before dialing back up again for Friday. Belichick seemed pleased with his team’s progress, saying it has “about 75 percent” of its schemes and plays installed. At his press availability last week, new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino described the installation process as one which is measured in months, not days or weeks.

“We go through it in the winter. We test it. Then we come back in the spring, we install it again,” Petrino said. “And then we come back in the summer and do it again.. so I’m telling those dudes they need to know it now.”

Players from both sides of the ball described intensity ratcheting up as the Tar Heels’ scheme began to take shape, particularly in Wednesday’s first padded session.

“Everybody gets excited to hit people,” said receiver Trech Kekahuna, a transfer from Wisconsin.

“We’re competing super hard,” said defensive back Kaleb Cost. “Every single day, we’re getting after it. We’re cool in the building, but when we go out there on the field, we’re going at it. At the end of the day, that makes us better.”

Belichick made a point to single out Cost prior to practice, praising the rising senior’s versatility and willingness to play in multiple phases of the game. The head coach described Cost as “a four-down player,” saying the question is not whether Cost will contribute, but rather in what manner he’ll do so.

Cost enters the 2026 season with three career interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. He also projects to be one of UNC’s main returners for both punts and kickoffs. His versatility even extends to other sports: Cost briefly played for head coach Scott Forbes and the UNC baseball program in 2024 before moving to football full time.

Cost is the rare Tar Heel who played as a starter for both Mack Brown and Bill Belichick. Now a leader in the locker room himself, the senior from Atlanta listed former teammates like Kaimon Rucker, Drake Maye and Tez Walker as veterans who inspired him as a young player. Those names probably make UNC fans pine for days of old, but Cost said he believes the program is in as good a shape as it’s ever been with regards to setting standards and fostering a winning culture.

“I feel that so strongly because of the players and coaches,” Cost said. “Everybody’s locked in on one common goal. And that’s what it takes to have a good team.”

Featured image via UNC Football on Twitter

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UNC Football Ramping Up Intensity as Fall Training Camp Hits 1-Week Mark

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