NORTH CAROLINA SPORTS NETWORK

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Telling the Story of North Carolina People, Places and Events

  1. 3d ago

    Jordan Shipp on the Pressure of Playing ACC Football at UNC - Are The Young Heels Ready?

    UNC WR Jordan Shipp on Graduating in 2 Years, Belichick's Culture Shift, and 2026 GoalsUNC's Jordan Shipp joins the North Carolina Sports Network to discuss his rapid academic path—graduating in two years with double majors in communications and exercise sport science and beginning a master's in applied professional studies—while preparing for his third season after starting all 12 games and earning honorable mention All-ACC by leading UNC in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. Shipp describes Bill Belichick as simple, football-focused, and caring, credits a shift to a more player-led culture with increased accountability and twice-weekly player-run 7-on-7 sessions, and shares excitement for new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino's playmaker-friendly system. He evaluates UNC's quarterback competition, reflects on reducing drops, addresses media narratives about Belichick and Gio Lopez's transfer, emphasizes faith as his anchor, and says the team is focused on daily process and "ready to shock the world."00:00 Introducing Jordan Shipp00:35 Fast Track Graduation01:01 Life With Belichick01:46 Staying At Carolina02:14 Player-Led Culture03:08 Petrino Offense Shift03:38 Quarterback Room Breakdown04:56 Chasing Zero Drops06:29 Media Noise And Doubters07:27 All ACC Teammates08:33 Faith And Perspective09:24 NFL Dreams And Mom10:05 Future In Media Coaching10:22 Gio Lopez Article Reaction11:45 Team Joy And Goals12:46 Bow Tie SendoffWelcome to the North Carolina Sports Network!Your home for all things sports in the Bold North State — from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, PGA TOUR, and NASCAR to the heart of ACC and college athletics.🎥 Stories. 🎙️ Podcasts. 📊 Analysis.Covering the legends, the rising stars, and everything in between.👇 Subscribe & follow:🌐 ncsportsnetwork.com🎧 Podcasts: Spotify, Apple & more📲 @TheNCSportsNet on all platforms#NCsports #BoldNorthState

  2. 3d ago

    Rhett Lashlee on SMU's ACC Rise, Culture & QB Kevin Jennings' Heisman Ceiling

    Rhett Lashlee on SMU's ACC Rise, Culture & QB Kevin Jennings' Heisman CeilingSMU head coach Rhett Lashlee joins the North Carolina Sports Network to discuss his background, including being named after Rhett Butler, and SMU's transition from the American Conference to the ACC after winning the AAC in 2023. He credits a strong staff, university support, returning experience, and a championship mindset for averaging 10 wins per year and becoming 2024 ACC Coach of the Year. Lashlee explains how the ACC stage elevates SMU's national profile and describes Texas high school football as a college-level foundation that helps player development. He highlights exceptional roster retention, noting SMU hasn't lost a starter to the transfer portal in four years, and outlines a "retain before we attain" philosophy. Lashlee also praises QB Kevin Jennings as an elite, loyal talent with Heisman-level upside and says he's happy building at SMU despite outside interest. #SMU #ACCFB #CollegeFB #RhettLashlee00:00 Meet Rhett Lashlee00:32 Origin of Rhett01:17 Jump to the ACC02:30 ACC Brand Boost03:40 Texas Football Pipeline04:54 Retention Over Portal06:25 Recruiting Close to Home07:28 Kevin Jennings Praise08:23 Why He Stays08:52 Closing ThanksWelcome to the North Carolina Sports Network!Your home for all things sports in the Bold North State — from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, PGA TOUR, and NASCAR to the heart of ACC and college athletics.🎥 Stories. 🎙️ Podcasts. 📊 Analysis.Covering the legends, the rising stars, and everything in between.👇 Subscribe & follow:🌐 ncsportsnetwork.com🎧 Podcasts: Spotify, Apple & more📲 @TheNCSportsNet on all platforms#NCsports #BoldNorthState

  3. 3d ago

    SMU QB Kevin Jennings on Texas HS Football, ACC Jump, and a Potential Heisman Run

    SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings joins the North Carolina Sports Network to discuss his Dallas roots, Texas high school football experience, and his five-year journey with the Mustangs, including 26 starts and earning All-ACC honors as SMU enters its third ACC season. Jennings explains how Texas football prepared him for college, notes the increased fan and donor support since the move to the ACC, and describes ACC competition as deeper week to week. He shares the story behind his custom SMU cowboy hat, details the upcoming Kevin Jennings Recovery Center—featuring saunas, sleep pods, cold plunges, and recovery beds—and reflects on family influence, leadership growth, and Rhett Lashlee's belief in his Heisman potential. Jennings recounts being recruited with limited committable offers, initially committing to Missouri State before Lashlee offered him in his first week at SMU, and credits his team for his winning success.00:00 Meet Kevin Jennings00:46 Cowboy Hat Story01:28 Texas High School Football02:53 SMU to ACC Transition03:59 Recovery Center Legacy05:26 Family and Leadership Roots06:29 Coach Lashlee's Belief07:10 Recruitment and SMU Commitment08:04 Dreams and Winning Mindset09:10 Closing Thanks and Sign-OffWelcome to the North Carolina Sports Network!Your home for all things sports in the Bold North State — from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, PGA TOUR, and NASCAR to the heart of ACC and college athletics.🎥 Stories. 🎙️ Podcasts. 📊 Analysis.Covering the legends, the rising stars, and everything in between.👇 Subscribe & follow:🌐 ncsportsnetwork.com🎧 Podcasts: Spotify, Apple & more📲 @TheNCSportsNet on all platforms#NCsports #BoldNorthState

  4. 3d ago

    Gio Lopez Moves from UNC to Wake Forest, and is Ready to Show Out in Black & Gold

    Wake Forest QB Gio Lopez on Fresh Start, Reuniting with OC Ezell & 2026 OutlookWake Forest quarterback Gio Lopez joins the North Carolina Sports Network to discuss transferring from UNC to Wake Forest and reuniting with former South Alabama offensive coordinator Rob Ezell, describing how their long relationship and Ezell's schematics put him in position to succeed. Lopez says he has rediscovered his love of football under head coach Jake Dickert's consistent energy and team-bonding culture, including weekly gatherings at Dickert's house and trying his "Starry burger." He reflects positively on his time at UNC despite a 4–8 season, citing strong bonds with teammates and coaches, including Coach Lombardi and Coach Belichick, and thanks both Wake and Carolina fan bases. Lopez highlights Wake’s offensive depth and names skill players to watch, compares Cam Shanks' style, notes he has two years of eligibility left, and shares favorite game environments from his career. #BoldNorthState #BuiltInTheDark #GioLopez #OrganizeForSuccess00:00 Welcome Gio Lopez00:38 Falling Back in Love01:05 Portal to Wake Fast01:38 Why Ezell Fits02:15 Clearing UNC Air03:32 Settling In at Wake04:12 South Alabama Production04:59 Coach Dickert Energy06:01 Team Bonding Starry Burger07:14 Playmakers to Watch08:22 Sponsor Break09:03 Cam Shanks Comparison09:48 Saban Impression Talk10:03 Message to Fans11:17 Eligibility and New Rules11:56 Favorite Places to Play13:06 Dad's Perspective13:39 Wrap Up and Network PlugWelcome to the North Carolina Sports Network!Your home for all things sports in the Bold North State — from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, PGA TOUR, and NASCAR to the heart of ACC and college athletics.🎥 Stories. 🎙️ Podcasts. 📊 Analysis.Covering the legends, the rising stars, and everything in between.👇 Subscribe & follow:🌐 ncsportsnetwork.com🎧 Podcasts: Spotify, Apple & more📲 @TheNCSportsNet on all platforms

  5. Jul 20

    Wake Forest's Year 2 Blueprint: Jake Dickert on Culture Over Transactions

    Wake Forest HC Jake Dickert on Year 2: Culture, NIL Reality, Gio Lopez & Building ConnectionWake Forest head coach Jake Dickert joins the North Carolina Sports Network to reflect on his debut season, including a Duke’s Mayo Bowl win and ACC Coach of the Year runner-up finish, and shares a humorous take on the post-mayo celebration. He explains team-building traditions at his home (including “Starry burgers”) and the program’s “collision rooms,” designed to create trust and face-to-face relationships across position groups. Dickert discusses meeting new Wake president Dr. Peter Rodriguez and praises major supporter Bob McCreary for investing in people and competitiveness. He addresses roster management in the NIL era, emphasizing retaining 56 of 59 contract offers and Wake’s developmental approach with 31 high school signees. He also describes transfer-portal evaluation, highlights QB Gio Lopez’s quick leadership fit, and talks about embracing hockey while supporting the Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes.00:00 Coach Dickert Returns00:43 Dukes Mayo Bowl Aftermath01:36 Starry Burgers Team Bonding02:56 Collision Rooms Culture04:38 New President Support05:42 Donor Bob McCreary Impact07:47 NIL Roster Retention Reality10:14 Transfer Portal Evaluation12:01 Gio Lopez QB Addition13:17 Hurricanes Hockey Connection14:31 Network Sign OffWelcome to the North Carolina Sports Network!Your home for all things sports in the Bold North State — from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, PGA TOUR, and NASCAR to the heart of ACC and college athletics.🎥 Stories. 🎙️ Podcasts. 📊 Analysis.Covering the legends, the rising stars, and everything in between.👇 Subscribe & follow:🌐 ncsportsnetwork.com🎧 Podcasts: Spotify, Apple & more📲 @TheNCSportsNet on all platforms#NCsports #BoldNorthState

  6. Jul 20

    Manny Diaz Breaks Down Duke's ACC Title Defense Amid QB Transfer Drama

    Manny Diaz on Defending Duke’s ACC Title, 2026 Mindset, and QB Transfer Walker EgettDuke head coach Manny Diaz joins the North Carolina Sports Network to discuss coming off back-to-back nine-win seasons and Duke’s first outright ACC football title since 1962, while emphasizing a quick turn to the 2026 season. Diaz explains how celebrating the championship is balanced with an “evidence-based” developmental approach using strength and speed data, and how portal turbulence helped refocus the program. He addresses the January chaos around quarterback Darien Mensah’s departure and lawsuit by stressing problem-solving and adding San Jose State transfer Walker Eget, highlighting his intelligence, arm talent, and expected August return from injury, plus key weapons Nate Shepherd and Jeremiah Hasley. Diaz also comments on roster retention challenges, Duke’s non-transactional culture, and previews priorities like Tulane and going 6–0 in-state rather than looking ahead to Miami.00:00 Meet Manny Diaz00:45 Championship Memories01:14 Resetting for 202602:11 Leadership and Data03:22 Mensa Departure Fallout04:47 Staying Calm Under Fire06:12 NIL and Roster Retention07:00 ACC Gets Tougher07:37 New QB Walker Egett08:24 Miami Return and Wrap09:11 Network Sign OffWelcome to the North Carolina Sports Network!Your home for all things sports in the Bold North State — from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, PGA TOUR, and NASCAR to the heart of ACC and college athletics.🎥 Stories. 🎙️ Podcasts. 📊 Analysis.Covering the legends, the rising stars, and everything in between.👇 Subscribe & follow:🌐 ncsportsnetwork.com🎧 Podcasts: Spotify, Apple & more📲 @TheNCSportsNet on all platforms#NCsports #BoldNorthState

  7. Jul 16

    Inside James Franklin's Plan to Build a Hokie Dynasty

    Virginia Tech's New Head Coach James Franklin on Building a Winning Hokies Program in 2026 New Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin joins the North Carolina Sports Network to discuss his coaching background at Vanderbilt and Penn State, his memories recruiting against Frank Beamer and competing at Lane Stadium, and how he wants to make the excitement extend beyond the Enter Sandman entrance into the fourth quarter.Franklin outlines the foundational philosophy of his programs—relationships, culture, and retention—while emphasizing the importance of institutional and community knowledge and retaining key Virginia Tech personnel. He explains why Brent Pry stayed, citing family considerations, their long history and trust, and Pry's deep ties to Virginia Tech. The Hokie head coach also addresses the transfer portal era, including the addition of 12 Penn State players, describes a quarterback competition between Ethan Grunkameier and Bryce Baker, and notes how increased athletic spending and NIL resources factored into his move, closing with a call for fans and the community to unite behind the rebuilding effort.00:00 Franklin Joins Virginia Tech00:32 Beamer Rivalry to Ally01:40 Hokie Traditions and Atmosphere02:08 Building the Franklin Program03:42 Why Brent Pry Stayed05:04 Portal Era and Indiana Blueprint06:37 Quarterback Competition07:50 Sponsor Message08:31 NIL Money and Resources09:38 Message to Hokie Nation10:30 Network Sign OffWelcome to the North Carolina Sports Network!Your home for all things sports in the Bold North State — from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, PGA TOUR, and NASCAR to the heart of ACC and college athletics.🎥 Stories. 🎙️ Podcasts. 📊 Analysis.Covering the legends, the rising stars, and everything in between.👇 Subscribe & follow:🌐 ncsportsnetwork.com🎧 Podcasts: Spotify, Apple & more📲 @TheNCSportsNet on all platforms#NCsports #BoldNorthState

  8. Jul 16

    Dabo Swinney on Winning Championships and ACC Dominance | David Glenn Show

    Dabo Swinney on Clemson’s 7–6 Season, Close-Game Lessons, and the New Era of College FootballDavid Glenn interviews Clemson coach Dabo Swinney, the ACC's winningest coach and a two-time national champion, briefly focusing on Clemson's 7–6 season in 2025 despite nine NFL draft picks. Swinney calls 2010 his most disappointing year, accepts responsibility for not winning close games, and notes Clemson lost three games by 11 total points, including two on the final play, while struggling early to handle adversity. He emphasizes culture was shown when the team stayed united, reset goals at 3–5, won four straight to secure a 15th consecutive winning season, and won in Columbia. Glenn asks what changed from Clemson's 2015–2020 peak; Swinney cites perspective, noting top-10 wins this decade and three ACC titles (2020, 2022, 2024). He also praises Indiana's rise as proof “greatness is for everybody," crediting people and cohesion over rankings.00:00 Dabo Swinney Joins00:30 Fun Stories Setup01:11 What Went Wrong Last Season03:40 Culture Tested and Response05:01 Dynasty Run vs Recent Years05:34 NIL and Portal Perspective07:44 Amedeos - the best Italian Food on Earth08:29 Indiana Story and Lessons10:04 Final Thanks and Sign-Off10:17 NCSN Network OutroWelcome to the North Carolina Sports Network!Your home for all things sports in the Bold North State — from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, PGA TOUR, and NASCAR to the heart of ACC and college athletics.🎥 Stories. 🎙️ Podcasts. 📊 Analysis.Covering the legends, the rising stars, and everything in between.👇 Subscribe & follow:🌐 ncsportsnetwork.com🎧 Podcasts: Spotify, Apple & more📲 @TheNCSportsNet on all platforms#NCsports #BoldNorthState

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Telling the Story of North Carolina People, Places and Events

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