CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Demon June had three rushing touchdowns, and Billy Edwards threw for two first-quarter scores as North Carolina routed East Tennessee State 35-3 on Saturday in its home opener.
June ran for touchdowns of 9, 6, and 1 yards for the Tar Heels, who improved to 2-0 for the fourth time in the last five seasons.
Edwards completed 15 of 20 passes for 244 yards, connecting with eight different receivers. Jelani Thurman had a team-high 71 yards receiving, including a 24-yard catch-and-run to open the scoring just 1:19 in.
The Tar Heels allowed only 199 yards and forced two turnovers. They also registered four sacks, two apiece by Jaylen Harvey and Xavier Lewis.
After going three-and-out to open the game, North Carolina converted five of its next six drives for touchdowns. The second of those scores, a 26-yard swing pass to Benjamin Hall, capped a 10-play, 99-yard drive. That matched the team’s longest scoring drive since 2022 against Miami.
Mason Mims was 23-of-31 passing for 178 yards and one interception for ETSU (1-2).
North Carolina led 35-0 after three quarters before lightning delayed the game one hour and 19 minutes.
North Carolina Tar Heels fans “tarps off” during the second half of the game against East Tennessee State Buccaneers at Kenan Stadium on September 12, 2026 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)
The takeaway
ETSU: The Buccaneers did themselves no favors against a superior opponent, committing seven penalties for 67 yards.
North Carolina: The Tar Heels took advantage of a soft spot on their schedule, holding their Football Championship Subdivision guests scoreless for over 56 minutes. They’ve now gone seven full quarters without allowing a touchdown.
Out of action
North Carolina defensive end Melkart Abou Jaoude did not play. The redshirt senior, who led the Atlantic Coast Conference with 10.5 sacks last year, wore a cast on his right forearm/hand.
Up next
ETSU: Hosts West Georgia next Saturday.
North Carolina: Visits Clemson next Saturday in an ACC game.