TCU football dominates North Carolina in season opener

By Drew Muller, Sports Editor

Published Sep 2, 2025

TCU wide receiver Jordan Dwyer (7) hauls in pass over North Carolina defensive back Marcus Allen (29) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)

TCU won its season opener on the road against North Carolina 48-14, spoiling Bill Belichick’s college coaching debut.

The Frogs were down 7-0 early in the first quarter after North Carolina running back Caleb Hood had an eight-yard touchdown run to cap off an 83-yard drive on seven plays.

After that, the Frogs went on to score 41 unanswered.

The scoring started for the Frogs when Josh Hoover found Jordan Dwyer on a fade route for a 27-yard touchdown. Dwyer led the game in receiving with 136 yards on nine catches. Hoover finished 27-36 passing with 284 passing yards.

The game against UNC was also TCU’s 12th straight road-opening win, finishing off the game with 543 total yards against UNC’s 222 yards.

After a 14-play drive stalled, TCU took the lead with a 32-yard field goal made by Kyle Lemmermann — making the game 10-7 at the start of the second quarter. Three plays later, safety Bud Clark jumped an out route and returned a pick-six to make the game 17-7.

The first half ended with TCU going 63 yards on nine plays in 53 seconds to get in field goal range for Lemmermann to make a second field goal.

TCU was up 20-7, and on the first play of the second half, running back Kevorian Barnes ran a 75-yard touchdown giving the Frogs a 20-point lead.

TCU quarterback Josh Hoover looks to pass the ball against North Carolina during the second half of an NCAA college football game Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward) (AP)

After a North Carolina punt, TCU’s dominating rushing attack continued with a Trent Battle 28-yard touchdown. A TCU strip sack led to a second defensive touchdown to make the game 41-7.

TCU entered the game with a defense ranked 83rd out of 133, and a run game ranked 112th out of 133.

“It makes things easier when the defense plays well,” Hoover said.

In week one, the Frogs ended the game with two defensive touchdowns and 258 yards on the ground, with Barnes leading the way with 113 yards.

“Just to come out here to a new program and be loved and brought in and get some opportunities to play, it’s just an amazing feeling,” Barnes said in a press conference, reflecting on his time playing with the University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners before joining the TCU program.

TCU has a bye this week, but will look to pick up where they left off in Chapel Hill on Sept. 13, when Abilene Christian comes to Fort Worth for the home opener.