Once a breakthrough series and incredibly popular show on HBO, the ‘Hard Knocks’ series has seemingly become nothing more than a thorn in the side of NFL franchises, and apparently even those in the circle of college football.
Last week, reports surfaced that HBO’s inside access to the NFL was set to come to the college game.
According to Ryan Glasspiegel at Front Office Sports, ‘Hard Knocks’ was set to come to college football and follow the North Carolina Tar Heels after their high-profile hire of Bill Belichick.
However, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reported on Tuesday morning that that is no longer the case, as the deal between ‘Hard Knocks’ and UNC appears to have fallen through.
It appears that ‘Hard Knocks’ might be on the shelves this summer, as the show could not find an NFL team willing to participate this year, and now its shot with North Carolina has gone up in smoke.
Airing for the first time back in 2001, HBO’s hit show followed a franchise through the process of training camp and into an upcoming season.
In 2021, ‘Hard Knocks’ even had an in-season edition that followed the Indianapolis Colts, also featuring the Cardinals, Dolphins, and even the entire AFC North in one season.
Seeing the NFL game up close is one thing, but seeing the same level of transparency in college football? Now, that’s something that might get the viewership numbers back up.
North Carolina will open up its 2025 season against Sonny Dykes and the TCU Horned Frogs on Monday, September 1, with coverage provided on ESPN.
