In a surprising turn of events, four former University of Washington football players—linebacker Khmori House, cornerback Thaddeus Dixon, safety Peyton Waters, and wide receiver Jason Robinson Jr.—transferred to North Carolina. They arrived with high hopes of playing under legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick.
But their expectations have quickly turned into disappointment. The team is struggling under Belichick’s leadership, and the mood is tense.
The Great Expectations
House, Dixon, Waters, and Robinson Jr. were clearly excited at the thought of playing for a six-time Super Bowl-winning coach. Belichick’s reputation as one of the all-time greats in football made the move feel like a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
Yet, the reality has been a lot messier than they probably imagined. Sometimes, what looks perfect on paper just doesn’t work out.
Why They Left Washington
These four left the University of Washington after last season, jumping into the transfer portal. The hope? That Belichick’s NFL pedigree could help them reach new heights.
Honestly, who wouldn’t be tempted by the idea of learning from a coach with that kind of history? It’s hard to blame them for taking the leap.
The Harsh Reality
Five games into Belichick’s time at North Carolina, things have gone sideways. The Tar Heels have been blown out in games like a 38-10 loss to Clemson, a 34-9 defeat by Central Florida, and a rough 48-14 drubbing by TCU.
Fans and analysts are starting to wonder if Belichick can really make the jump from the NFL to college football. It’s not looking great so far.
Defensive Woes
The defense is a huge problem. Even with talents like House and Dixon, the Tar Heels just can’t seem to stop anyone.
Steve Belichick, acting as the defensive coordinator, hasn’t found answers. The team is giving up an average of 373.2 yards and 25.8 points per game, which is… not ideal.
Player Performances
Despite the team’s struggles, a couple of the ex-Washington guys have had their moments. Khmori House, for example, is tied for the team lead in tackles with 29, including 1.5 tackles for loss and three quarterback hurries.
Dixon’s chipped in with 14 tackles, two tackles for loss, and three pass break-ups. Not bad, considering the chaos around him.
Special Teams and Bench Players
Peyton Waters has mostly played on special teams. He’s appeared in four games and made three tackles.
Jason Robinson Jr., though, hasn’t seen the field yet. Makes you wonder if he needs to add some muscle or just hasn’t found his spot.
The Belichick Experiment
Belichick’s return to coaching—this time in college—was supposed to be a big deal. But it’s pretty obvious his style and strategies aren’t clicking at this level.
There are also off-field distractions. His 24-year-old girlfriend hanging around the sidelines has definitely raised some eyebrows.
Family Ties
To complicate things, Belichick’s sons Steve and Brian are on the coaching staff. Steve’s defensive schemes haven’t worked out, and Brian’s handling of the secondary hasn’t been much better.
The family connections haven’t been enough to fix what’s broken here.
Looking Ahead
As the season drags on, you have to wonder if these former Washington players regret transferring. The Tar Heels’ poor performance and what some insiders call a toxic environment can’t be easy to deal with.
Is sticking it out worth it? Or will they start looking for a way out—maybe even a return to Washington?
Potential Transfers
House, Waters, and Robinson Jr. still have eligibility left. If things don’t turn around, they might enter the transfer portal again.
Washington or another program could offer them a better shot at development—and, honestly, a bit of peace of mind.
Conclusion
Bill Belichick’s move from the NFL to college football hasn’t exactly gone smoothly for North Carolina. The team’s defense keeps struggling, and the early buzz has faded into frustration.
Some of the former Washington players who transferred probably didn’t expect things to turn out like this. Now, they’re left wondering what comes next.
If you’re curious about the whole story, check out the full article on Sports Illustrated.
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