Former Rockwall-Heath QB Spoils Bill Belichick’s UNC Debut

Josh Hoover’s Texas roots were on full display Saturday night as the former Rockwall-Heath quarterback powered TCU past North Carolina 48-14 in Chapel Hill. In Bill Belichick’s highly anticipated college debut, Hoover stole the spotlight with precision passing and veteran poise.

The junior carved up the Tar Heels’ defense, completing 27 of 36 passes for 284 yards and two touchdowns. Hoover looked calm in front of over 50,000 fans and an NFL-scout-heavy crowd, leading scoring drives that silenced Kenan Stadium after UNC’s fast start.

His performance felt like an extension of his decorated high school career. At Rockwall-Heath, Hoover threw for nearly 10,000 yards and 108 touchdowns, capturing the Landry Award in 2021 as the Dallas-Fort Worth area’s top player. Originally committed to Indiana, Hoover flipped to TCU, a decision now paying off in marquee moments like Saturday’s statement win.

What made the performance more impressive was the stage. Hoover not only outshined the hype surrounding Belichick’s first college game, but he also displayed the steady progression he has made since stepping in as TCU’s starter. Surrounded by weapons like Jordan Dwyer, who hauled in nine catches for 136 yards, Hoover’s command of the offense showed why the Horned Frogs are a Big 12 contender.

For TCU, it wasn’t just about a big win—it was about their leader. Hoover, once a Friday night star in Texas, is proving he belongs under the brightest lights in college football. If this debut is any indication, more statement performances are coming.