UNC football at UCF Knights game info, streaming, betting and more

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UNC football at UCF Knights game info, streaming, betting and more

Aidan Jensen, Tar Heels Wire · Tar Heels Wire

Thu, Sep 18, 2025 ·

3 min read

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The North Carolina Tar Heels are finally starting to hit their stride on the football field, winning their past two games by sizable margins.

UNC (2-1) is coming off a 41-6 domination of Richmond on Saturday, a game during which defense took over. The week before, North Carolina limited Charlotte to three points.

The Tar Heels will have another strong test on Saturday, traveling to face the UCF Knights for a a 3:30 p.m. kickoff . UCF (2-0) obliterated North Carolina A&T in a 68-7 bloodbath last weekend, so UNC will be in for a treat.

North Carolina's last time out against a Power Four team didn't go so well, as TCU spoiled Bill Belichick's debut with a 48-14 stomping. Charlotte is a Group of Five team and Richmond plays at the FCS level, making Saturday a true test to how good the Tar Heels really are.

Saturday will also be a good test for UCF's legitimacy. The Knights barely squeaked by its Week 1 opponent, beating C-USA program Jacksonville State by a 17-10 mark, while NC A&T is an FCS program.

If UNC wins in Orlando, the season trajectory continues moving in a positive direction. North Carolina would be 3-1 heading into Clemson , which still should be a tough test, despite the Tigers' disappointing, 1-2 start.

The Tar Heels and Knights will be first-time opponents, so I can't give you anything exciting about past matchups, though. If UNC and UCF treat us to a good game on Saturday afternoon, though, you're looking at the possible start of a new rivalry.

Keep reading below for our game preview , which includes the Tar Heels' key to victory, something to watch, odds, statistical leaders and a season schedule.

Key to Victory

Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Demon June (35) runs for a touchdown as Richmond Spiders linebacker Jordan Allen (9) defends in the fourth quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Demon June. North Carolina's star, freshman running back is coming off a 148-yard performance against Richmond, his first time reaching the century mark in a college uniform.

June will likely earn a second-consecutive start Saturday in Orlando. UCF allows 162.5 rushing yards per game, an encouraging sign for June and the rest of UNC's backfield.

How will June follow up his breakout performance in Week 3? We won't know until Saturday, but I'm encouraged based on recent history.

Something to watch

Sep 6, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Demon June (35) tries to avoid a tackle by Charlotte 49ers defensive back Gavin Shipman (4) during the second half at Jerry Richardson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

How legitimate the Tar Heels are. North Carolina beat Charlotte comfortably, 20-3, then obliterated Richmond in a 41-6 matchup.

Charlotte is a struggling, Group of Five school and Richmond plays at the FCS level. UNC's victories against each opponent are impressive, but they came against lesser competition.

UCF will also be tested, as its first two opponents were also from the Group of Five and FCS levels.