Bill Belichick, who just left the Patriots, is rumored to be at the top of UNC’s list. Athletic director Bubba Cunningham reportedly wants to bring in the legendary coach for 2025. Currently, Freddie Kitchens is serving as interim coach for the bowl game.

The Tar Heels limped to a 6-6 record in 2024 after a rough end to the season, losing their last two games. UConn comes in with a better 8-4 record.

Star running back Omarion Hampton may sit out the game to prepare for the NFL draft. He led all ACC runners with an impressive 1,660 yards this season.

This marks UNC’s sixth bowl game in a row, but their bowl history isn’t great. They’re 15-23 in bowl games and haven’t won one since 2019.

UNC has the edge in past meetings with UConn. They’ve won all three games against them, with their most recent win coming in 2009.

Quarterback Jacolby Criswell hopes to get a win in honor of Mack Brown. The coach stepped down Nov. 26. Criswell told The Fayetteville Observer, “We’re just going to go out here and win this ballgame. We’re gonna win this ballgame for Coach Brown. He’s not gonna be out there with us, but he’s gonna be on the field with us in our hearts.”

Tickets for the Fenway Bowl will start at $32 and can be purchased on StubHub. Looking for other Carolina team bowl games? East Carolina University will take on North Carolina State University in the Go Bowling Military Bowl on Dec. 28.