Adam McCann Gibbs to make college football debut in the Aviva

Newry native Adam McCann Gibbs will make his college football debut for the University of North Carolina’s Tar Heels (UNC) in the College Football Classic in Dublin this summer.

McCann-Gibbs will make his debut on home soil against Texas Christian University’s Horned Frogs (TCU) on August 29th.

McCann-Gibbs received a scholarship for Penn State when he was just 17.

TCU will face UNC, which last year appointed Bill Belichick, renowned for coaching NFL greats Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, as Head Coach.

This clash will be just the fifth time TCU and UNC compete against each other dating back to 1940 and will be the first time the sides play each other internationally, debuting on ESPN for over 4 million U.S viewers.

Susanne Carberry, Aer Lingus Chief Customer Officer, said: “Everyone at Aer Lingus is busy preparing for the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic, which promises to be an exciting matchup between TCU and UNC.

"The Aer Lingus College Football Classic is not only a standout sporting occasion, but an event that also helps strengthen business, economic and educational ties between Ireland and North America.

"We are really looking forward to welcoming the Tar Heels as well as TCU’s Horned Frogs to Dublin this August to play at the Aviva Stadium.”

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam said “Celebrating Dublin means bringing the world to our city and the Aer Lingus College Football Classic does exactly that.

"With Bill Belichick on the sidelines and thousands of fans descending on the capital, Dublin will once again become the European Home of College Football. So why not come along on game day, catch the excitement for yourself and play your part in Touchdown Dublin.”