Offense
The quarterback position sees a competition between transfers Billy Edwards Jr. (Wisconsin) and Miles O’Neil (Texas A&M). Edwards has Power 4 starting experience but lacks the elite arm strength needed for new Offensive Coordinator Bobby Petrino’s scheme. O’Neil has the higher upside but lacks experience.
The running back room returns experience in Demon June and Benjamin Hall. June produced well as a true freshman. The additions of Kaleb Jackson (LSU) and true freshman Crew Davis are big. Literally in Jackson’s case as he is 6’0” 234 pounds. Both Jackson and Hall are over 230 pounds.
The wide receiver room returns experience in Jordan Shipp, Shanard Clower, and Nathan Leacock. Watch out for redshirt freshman Madrid Tucker. The additions of Mason Humphrey (Lehigh), Trech Kekahuna (Wisconsin), and tight ends Jordan Washington (Texas), Jelani Thurman (Ohio State), and Jaxxon Warren (Colorado State) will all be integral.
The offensive line will feature five new starters. Christo Kelly, Aidan Banfield, and Jordan Hall have the most returning experience. The additions of Brandon Homady (West Virginia), Rowan Byrne (Clemson), JaeQawn McRoy (Arkansas), Andrew Threatt (Charleston Southern), and Jonah Rodriguez (JUCO) are significant for this unit.
Defense
The defensive line room features one of the ACC’s best in Melkart Abou-Jaoude (All-ACC, 10.5 sacks). He is joined by Leroy Jackson, Isaiah Johnson, and Xavier Lewis. The additions of Tarvorise Brown (Florida), Donovan Hoilette Jr. (Richmond), and Jaylen Harvey (Penn State) are big. Hoilette, Harvey, and Abou-Jaoude off the edge will be fun to watch.
The linebacker room will need transfers to emerge. Jonathan Agumadu and Timir Hickman-Collins have the most returning experience. The additions of Derek McDonald (Syracuse), Peyton Seelmann (Richmond), and true freshmen Calvin Thomas and DQ Forkpa will be crucial for this defense.
The secondary returns experience in Kaleb Cost, Jaiden Patterson, Tre Miller, Jalon Thompson, Greg Smith, Peyton Waters, and Coleman Bryson. The additions of Ade Willie (Michigan State) and true freshmen Kenton Dopson III, Jakob Weatherspoon, and David Davis elevate this unit to new heights.
Specialists
The punting role belongs to Jacob Horvath, who transferred in last season. The kicking duties will belong to LSU transfer Aeron Burrell, who is an elite kickoff specialist.
2026 Schedule
- 8/29 vs TCU in Dublin, Ireland
- 9/12 East Tennessee State
- 9/19 at Clemson
- 10/3 Notre Dame
- 10/10 at Pittsburgh
- 10/17 at Duke
- 10/24 Syracuse
- 10/31 Miami
- 11/7 at UConn
- 11/14 Louisville
- 11/21 at Virginia
- 11/28 NC State
Final Analysis
Inconsistency, not something usually tied to Bill Belichick, but something that plagued the Tar Heels last season. The offensive line must gel and the Tar Heels must decide on a quarterback. If it all comes together, it could work. If not, expect more inconsistent play in 2026.
