UNC Beats UConn Behind Three Edwards Touchdown Passes

Published: November 7, 2026

North Carolina ended its two-game skid with a 38-21 win over UConn in East Hartford, Connecticut. The Tar Heels scored 21 points off three turnovers, and quarterback Billy Edwards threw three touchdown passes. The victory came in Bill Belichick’s first game coaching in New England since his time with the Patriots ended.

Timir Hickman-Collins returned an interception for a touchdown and recovered a fumble that set up Edwards’ scoring pass to Jordan Shipp. Jalon Thompson later intercepted UConn quarterback Kalieb Osborne, giving North Carolina the ball back before Edwards threw a three-yard touchdown to Jelani Thurman with 3:38 left.

UConn had pulled within seven in the third quarter, after Osborne’s passing and running helped set up Cyncir Bowers’ 13-yard touchdown run. Osborne also threw first-half touchdown passes to Ryder Treadway and Cam Abshire. North Carolina led 28-14 at halftime; Edwards connected with Thurman for a touchdown shortly before the break, while Benjamin Hall scored on a 39-yard run in the second quarter.

Hall’s performance offered a boost after Edwards struggled early. Hall became a prominent part of the ground game and contributed as a receiving option. Thurman scored twice, bringing his season total to eight touchdowns.

The Tar Heels’ defensive line continued to have trouble creating pressure and stopping the run, while running back Jaylen McGill averaged fewer than 2.5 yards per carry. North Carolina hosts Louisville on November 14, with a bowl berth one win away. UConn hosts James Madison on the same date.