California Golden Bears Host North Carolina Tar Heels in Key ACC Clash

BERKELEY, Calif. — The California Golden Bears (4-2) will face the North Carolina Tar Heels (2-3) in an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) matchup on Friday night. Kickoff at California Memorial Stadium is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET.

Both teams are looking to regain momentum after recent losses. Cal is coming off a 45–21 defeat to Duke on October 4, while UNC seeks to recover from a 38–10 blowout against Clemson, having lost their last two games.

The Golden Bears enter the game as 7.5-point favorites according to the latest odds, with a total points over/under set at 47.5. Cal has a record of 3-3 against the spread in 2025.

Golden Bears quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has thrown for 1,487 yards and nine touchdowns this season, showing promise despite some inconsistency. Running back Kendrick Raphael leads the rushing attack, accumulating over 400 yards so far. The defense, featuring linebacker Cade Uluave, allows just above 22 points per game, presenting a solid challenge for the visiting team.

Meanwhile, the Tar Heels, under head coach Bill Belichick in his debut season, face pressure to secure their first victory against a power-conference opponent. After a shaky start with a 2-3 record and an 0-1 mark in the ACC, they are looking for a breakthrough. Quarterback Gio Lopez has passed for over 430 yards and three touchdowns, while running back Demon June shows potential with his speed and versatility.

Historically, the Golden Bears have won both previous meetings, indicating a favorable track record. The game could further test Belichick as he integrates his pro-style system amidst challenges with player transitions and game-day performance.

With both teams desperate for a win, this matchup represents an important moment in their seasons. As they prepare for Friday’s game, players and fans alike hope for a performance reflective of their potential.