North Carolina wins 24-20 over Duke, brings Victory Bell back to Chapel Hill

North Carolina defeated Duke 24-20 in a closely contested football game at Wallace Wade Stadium, according to WRAL. The Tar Heels secured the Victory Bell for the first time since 2023 with this win.

Running back Jaylen McGill scored the decisive touchdown on a 24-yard run late in the fourth quarter, breaking a 17-0 lead that North Carolina had previously lost. The Tar Heels' defense then stopped Duke's final drive with an interception to seal the victory.

This game marked the fifth consecutive meeting between the two teams decided by seven or fewer points. Duke had won the previous two games, including one against North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick in his series debut.

With this win, UNC improved to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in the ACC, matching their win totals from Belichick’s first season. Duke fell to 4-2 overall and 1-2 in the conference after losing its second straight close game following a 4-0 start.