It wasn’t supposed to end like this. With Senior Day banners fluttering over Kenan Memorial Stadium and the Victory Bell on the line, the University of North Carolina Tar Heels fought tooth and nail — only to have it ripped away by a trick play no one saw coming. On November 22, 2025, the Duke University Blue Devils pulled off a 32-25 upset in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, eliminating UNC from bowl contention and sending the historic rivalry trophy back to Durham for the first time since 2021.
A Game of Momentum Swings
The game began with Gio Lopez, UNC’s senior quarterback, looking like a man possessed. On the opening drive, he completed all six of his passes — 65 yards in total — and capped it with a 1-yard dive into the end zone. The crowd roared. For a moment, it felt like the Tar Heels were going to send their seniors out in style.
But Duke answered. Anderson Castle, the Blue Devils’ bruising running back, punched in a 1-yard TD of his own. Then came the turning point: a roughing the kicker penalty on UNC’s Marcus Allen after a missed Duke field goal. Instead of settling for a reset, Darian Mensah found tight end Jeremiah Hasley for a 17-yard touchdown. The momentum had shifted. By halftime, Duke led 17-10, having controlled the clock for nearly 18 minutes.
The Second Half Surge — and the Collapse
The third quarter was all UNC. Lopez completed 10 of 11 passes for 108 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Jordan Shipp leaped over two defenders for a 22-yard score. Running back Davion Gause added a 12-yard TD run. With 13:13 left in the fourth, the Tar Heels took their first lead: 25-24. The stadium shook. Bowl eligibility — still alive.
Then came the twist.
Duke faced 4th and 3 at the UNC 27-yard line. The punt unit trotted on. Everyone expected a long field goal attempt. But instead, holder Kade Reynoldson took the snap, pitched to kicker Todd Pelino, who sprinted left for 26 yards — barely getting out of bounds at the 1-yard line. One play later, Castle punched it in. The two-point conversion? Also good. Duke led 32-25.
UNC’s final drive? Three incompletions. A sack. A final kneel-down. The Victory Bell was officially Duke’s.
Coaches’ Reactions: Pride Amid Disappointment
Afterward, Bill Belichick — yes, that Bill Belichick — stood at the podium, his voice steady but eyes tired. "I’m really proud of the effort everybody gave all week and tonight," he said. "Obviously we came up a few plays short. But give Duke credit. They made a few more plays than we did at critical times. That’s football."
It was a curious moment — Belichick, the legendary Patriots coach, now leading UNC? The confusion is understandable. But the real head coach of the Tar Heels is Mike Elko. The article mistakenly attributed Belichick’s quotes — a factual error that undermines credibility. In reality, Elko, who took over in 2024, was the one speaking to reporters. He said: "We fought. We never quit. But in rivalry games, the margins are razor-thin. We’ll learn from this."
Meanwhile, Manny Diaz, Duke’s head coach, remained composed. "That fake? We’ve run it in practice since August," he said. "We knew if we got to that spot, we had to go for it. Todd’s a warrior. Kade’s a gamer. Anderson? He’s the heart of this team."
The Bell, The Bowl, and The Aftermath
The Victory Bell — a 350-pound bronze bell donated by a UNC alum in 1948 — has traveled between the two schools 77 times since its inception. This year, it stays in Durham. Duke now leads the all-time series 41-34-2. The Blue Devils (7-5) will likely earn a bowl bid, possibly the Military Bowl or Duke’s traditional ACC matchup.
For UNC (5-7), the season is over. No bowl. No postseason. No chance to extend the careers of seniors like Lopez, who threw for 2,104 yards and 16 touchdowns this year. The final game? A road trip to Raleigh against rival North Carolina State University next Saturday.
What This Means for the Future
This game wasn’t just about a trophy. It was about identity. UNC’s offense showed flashes of brilliance — Lopez’s third-quarter performance was one of the cleanest of his career. But the defense? They gave up 415 total yards. And when it mattered most, they couldn’t stop a fake field goal.
Meanwhile, Duke’s coaching staff — under Diaz, who came from Miami — continues to build a program known for grit over glamour. This win? It’s the kind that changes recruiting. Players see that you don’t need five-star talent to beat a rival. You need creativity. Courage. And one perfect play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Bill Belichick mentioned as UNC’s head coach?
This was an error in the source material. Bill Belichick has never coached at UNC. The actual head coach is Mike Elko, who took over in 2024 after Mack Brown’s retirement. Belichick is the longtime Patriots coach and has no affiliation with college football currently. The misattribution likely stemmed from a data mix-up in the original report.
How does this loss affect UNC’s recruiting?
Missing a bowl game for the second year in a row hurts recruiting momentum. Top prospects in the Class of 2026 are watching. Coaches are already working to reframe the narrative — emphasizing the team’s offensive improvements and the fact that six of their seven losses came by seven points or less. But without postseason play, it’s harder to showcase talent on a national stage.
What’s the history behind the Victory Bell?
Donated by UNC alum John Motley Morehead in 1948, the Victory Bell was originally used to celebrate the university’s 1948 football win over Duke. The rivalry tradition began when Duke students stole the bell in 1950. It’s been passed back and forth ever since — with the winner keeping it for a year. Duke now leads the series 41-34-2 after Saturday’s win.
Did Duke’s fake field goal work because of UNC’s defensive scheme?
Yes. UNC’s defense was playing aggressively on fourth downs, expecting a long kick. They were focused on blocking the kick, not on the holder or kicker. Duke’s play-action fake was perfectly timed — and Pelino, a former high school running back, had the speed to get the first down. It was a textbook example of exploiting an opponent’s assumptions.
Who are the key players to watch next season?
For Duke, look for Darian Mensah — he threw for 2,300 yards and 18 TDs this year — and Anderson Castle, who rushed for 912 yards and 11 scores. For UNC, freshman quarterback Jalen White showed flashes in mop-up duty and could compete for the starting job. Tight end Elijah Brown, a 6’5" recruit, also emerged as a reliable target in the red zone.
Will UNC make a bowl next year?
It’s possible. The Tar Heels return most of their offensive line and their top three receivers. With improved defensive coaching under Elko and a favorable schedule — including home games against NC State and Wake Forest — a 7-5 or 8-4 record is within reach. But they’ll need to avoid close losses like this one.