Former UNC Star Marquise Williams Boycotting Tar Heels Games Over Belichick Controversy

Marquise Williams cites issues with the program under Bill Belichick's leadership as reason for skipping games this season.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:00am

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Marquise Williams, a former standout quarterback for the University of North Carolina, announced he will not be attending any Tar Heels football games this season. Williams cited concerns and controversies surrounding the program under head coach Bill Belichick, who is entering his second year leading the team after a 4-8 debut season marked by off-field headlines.

Why it matters

Williams' decision to boycott UNC games highlights the ongoing issues and controversies that have plagued the program since Belichick's arrival. As a prominent alumnus, Williams' stance could signal deeper problems within the team and university that go beyond just the on-field performance.

The details

Belichick's first season as UNC's head coach was marked by a number of off-field issues, including scrutiny over his relationship with his 24-year-old girlfriend, Jordon Hudson. There were also questions about Hudson's involvement in the program's operations. While the university has defended the team's response to the criticism, Williams' decision to skip games suggests the controversies have not been fully resolved.

  • Belichick is entering his second season as UNC's head coach in 2026.
  • Williams announced his plan to boycott UNC games on March 13, 2026.

The players

Marquise Williams

A former standout quarterback for the University of North Carolina who now serves as a quarterbacks coach at Louisburg College.

Bill Belichick

The head coach of the University of North Carolina football team, who is entering his second season after leading the team to a 4-8 record in his first year.

Jordon Hudson

Belichick's 24-year-old girlfriend, whose involvement in the UNC football program has been a source of controversy.

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What they’re saying

“I will not be attending any UNC football games this year! The things I'm hearing man I would have never thought.”

— Marquise Williams, Former UNC Quarterback

“All during those stormy times, all during when the boat was getting capsized, when people were attacking us with fake rumors and fake stories all over — nobody's corrected them yet, but that's OK, we understand — our players hung together.”

— Michael Lombardi, UNC Football General Manager

What’s next

The university and Belichick's program will need to address the ongoing controversies and concerns raised by Williams and others in order to move forward and rebuild trust with the UNC community.

The takeaway

The decision by a prominent former player to boycott games highlights the deep-seated issues that have plagued the UNC football program since Bill Belichick's arrival as head coach. The university will need to confront these problems head-on in order to regain the confidence of its alumni and fanbase.