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UNC Football: ESPN predicts Drake Maye to win Heisman Trophy

By Sean Ebersbach

Jul 27, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; UNC quarterback Drake Maye answers questions from the media during the ACC 2023 Kickoff at The Westin Charlotte. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; UNC quarterback Drake Maye answers questions from the media during the ACC 2023 Kickoff at The Westin Charlotte. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /
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The UNC Football quarterback continues to add to his high preseason praise, this time with ESPN predicting him to win the Heisman Trophy.

It is no surprise that Drake Maye and the UNC Football program are carrying high expectations into this upcoming season, but ESPN may have set a new high with their prediction of Maye winning the Heisman Trophy.

Mark Schlabach of ESPN has this to say about the Tar Heels’ star quarterback.

"“In his first season as a starter, Maye threw for 4,321 yards with 38 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner, USC’s Caleb Williams, and Maye were the only FBS quarterbacks to throw for 4,000 yards with at least 35 touchdowns and fewer than 10 interceptions last season. Chip Lindsey takes over the offensive playcalling after coordinator Phil Longo left for Wisconsin. Maye’s top receivers from last season, Josh Downs and Antoine Green, left for the NFL. Adding former Georgia Tech receiver Nate McCollum will help tremendously, and the Tar Heels are still hoping to get Kent State transfer Devontez Walker eligible. The Tar Heels have to do a better job protecting Maye after he was sacked 40 times last season.”"

There is no secret in saying Maye set the bar extremely high during his redshirt freshman season last year. He threw for 4,321 yards, 38 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions while maintaining an 82.4 QBR. Along with predicting the Heisman, ESPN also predicts Maye will be the ACC Offensive Player of the Year for the Tar Heels.

While the college football world wondered whether Maye could fill the shoes of former standout quarterback Sam Howell, Maye quickly proved that he was more than capable of taking over the reins. Heading into his second season as the UNC football program’s starter, all eyes are on Maye as many wait to see if he can replicate (or even improve upon) his success from a season ago.

In their conference rankings, ESPN gives the UNC football program a projected third-place finish in the ACC behind Clemson and Florida State with a record of 9-3 on the season and a 5-3 record in conference play.

Next. UNCFB duo tabbed as 2023 AP Preseason All-Americans. dark

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