Tar Heels Identify New Starters After Training Camp
North Carolina has several new starters for the upcoming season. Quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. won the QB competition, while transfer wide receiver Mason Humphrey impressed in camp. The team is looking to improve on a 4-8 record under coach Bill Belichick.
Edwards Jr. arrives in Chapel Hill after stops at Wisconsin and earlier programs, bringing 2026 as his sixth collegiate season. His knee brace during spring drills raised durability questions, yet the coaching staff prioritized his veteran presence over O'Neill's upside. Humphrey, meanwhile, transferred from FCS-level Lehigh, where his 18.6-yard average per reception demonstrated deep-ball ability. At 6-foot-4, he gives Petrino's offense a downfield target that was absent in 2025. McRoy, a former Arkansas lineman, has drawn repeated praise from Belichick for his consistency, though his starting status remains unofficial ahead of the TCU opener.
This roster turnover could shape perceptions of Belichick's transition from NFL to college coaching. A strong start with these new starters may restore confidence among donors, recruits, and fans who grew restless after last season's 4-8 finish. Conversely, early struggles could intensify scrutiny of his personnel decisions and accelerate calls for change. The outcomes may also influence how other veteran NFL coaches view college opportunities, potentially affecting future coaching searches nationwide.