Get to know the University of North Carolina Tar Heels before the Aer Lingus College Football Classic

The Aer Lingus College Football Classic is making a return in 2026 when the TCU Horned Frogs will take on the UNC Tar Heels in the fifth consecutive college football game to take place on Week 0 in Dublin, Ireland. 

We’ve put together a few key facts about UNC to get you up to speed below, you can learn all about TCU Here too!

The Sporting History of UNC outside of football 

Founded in 1789, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the oldest public university in the United States. Its athletic program, known collectively as Carolina Athletics, plays a key role in the University's successful efforts in being recognised as a national brand. 

While basketball is the university’s most iconic sport, UNC’s history includes NCAA titles, world-class athletes, and legendary coaches across multiple sports. UNC’s legacy is much richer than its basketball fame. Women’s soccer launched a dynasty, rewriting the record books and ruling the NCAA for years. The baseball team is a steady pipeline to the major leagues, lacrosse has built a tradition of championship glory, and field hockey has risen to national prominence. This wide-ranging success showcases UNC’s dedication to developing talent in every sport it offers.

Carolina Blue: The most iconic look in College Sports 

UNC’s famous Carolina Blue is a testament to the program's class. The instantly recognizable shade of sky blue stands out from any other uniform worn in college and professional athletics. Football has revolutionized the famous shade in bold new ways. 

Alternate helmets, throwback-inspired designs, and modern Nike cuts have brought fresh energy to the gridiron. The sky blue helmet looks sharp and unmistakably Carolina. They are fan favorites and regularly rank among college football’s most attractive uniforms.

Carolina Blue is not just a school color - it’s a global brand. It appears in fashion collaborations, streetwear drops, and even on professional athletes who proudly reference their Tar Heel roots long after leaving Chapel Hill. From Michael Jordan’s signature UNC -inspired sneakers to Mia Hamm’s legendary U.S. Women’s National Team appearances, the color has made cultural waves far beyond the Chapel Hill campus.

The Sporting History of UNC outside of football 

Founded in 1789, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the oldest public university in the United States. Its athletic program, known collectively as Carolina Athletics, plays a key role in the University's successful efforts in being recognised as a national brand. 

While basketball is the university’s most iconic sport, UNC’s history includes NCAA titles, world-class athletes, and legendary coaches across multiple sports. UNC’s legacy is much richer than its basketball fame. Women’s soccer launched a dynasty, rewriting the record books and ruling the NCAA for years. The baseball team is a steady pipeline to the major leagues, lacrosse has built a tradition of championship glory, and field hockey has risen to national prominence. This wide-ranging success showcases UNC’s dedication to developing talent in every sport it offers.
 

Star Studded Alumni List 

North Carolina are in a league of their own when it comes to the legendary list of sporting alumni that has come through the ranks at Chapel Hill. Testament to the University’s ambition of being a globally recognized top sporting birthing ground to global basketball, football, hockey, soccer and Olympic stars:

Basketball 
- Michael Jordan (Six Time NBA Champion)
- Vince Carter (NBA legend)
- Jame Worthy (NBA Hall of Fame Legend)

Football
- Drake Maye (Current New England Patriots Quarterback)
- Julius Peppers (NFL Hall of Fame)
- Lawrence Taylor (Widely regarded best defensive player ever in NFL history)

Soccer 
- Mia Hamm (US Womens National Team Legend & 2x time Fifa World Player of the year)
- Crystal Dunn (US Women's World Cup Winner)
- Tobin Heath (2x time Soccer Olympic Gold Medalist)

Olympics
- Marion Jones (Olympic Track Athlete)
- Shalane Flanagan (Olympic Medalist & NYC Marathon Champion)

Believe it or not we had to keep some names off this list, as if we continued it would be endless...
 

Don’t miss out on your opportunity to watch the Tar Heels take to the field live in the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic. The August matchup marks the 11th college football game ever played in Ireland and the fifth consecutive time that the Aer Lingus College Football Classic will be a competitive Week 0 opening matchup.

You can register your interest today to receive exclusive presale access, game updates and so much more - HERE 

#MuchMoreThanAGame | #TouchdownDublin | #TouchdownIreland