As the college football season rapidly approaches, the talk in Chapel Hill has focused on the Tar Heels' quarterback competition.
A battle that started with four competitors narrowed down to two finalists, with one surprisingly drawing a ton of buzz as the season opener drew closer. While the speculation was pointing toward a young, inexperienced signal-caller with a past connection to the Tar Heels' new offensive coordinator, taking the reins of the offense, Bill Belichick hit us with a...
PLOT TWIST!
Billy Edwards Jr. named UNC's starting QB for the team's season opener
While Miles O'Neill was the one who was drawing all the buzz, it's the guy who we all projected to get the nod who wins the job.
Pete Thamel of ESPN was first to report that Wisconsin transfer Billy Edwards Jr. will be leading the offense in Ireland on August 29 against TCU. He edged out O'Neill for the job, one that he hopes to secure once the regular season gets underway.
Sources: North Carolina has named veteran transfer Billy Edwards Jr. the team’s starter for the opener, and he’ll debut for the Tar Heels against TCU in Ireland. Edwards won a close battle with Miles O’Neill, a Texas A&M transfer who has familiarity with new OC Bobby Petrino. pic.twitter.com/r0hLBVzgoJ
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 18, 2026
The buzz surrounding O'Neill made sense, given he's a talented prospect who has the most familiarity with offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino's system. However, it always felt destined that Edwards Jr. would get the first crack at the gig, given he is the most experienced quarterback of the group and was essentially brought in to be the guy to lead the offensive unit.
Every former UNC football player in Madden 27 and their overall rating
Edwards Jr. threw for 2,881 yards and 15 touchdowns while serving at QB1 for the Maryland Terrapins during the 2024 season. He transferred to Wisconsin following the season and won the starting job, but a non-contact injury in the season opener derailed his time with the Badgers.
Now back to full health, Edwards Jr. is ready to regain the form he showed at Maryland two seasons ago. The Tar Heels hope that he can be the guy for them, especially after dealing with a brutal quarterback situation a season ago.
A newcomer to Bill Belichick's defensive unit is already drawing national attention
While Edwards Jr. was named the starter for the season opener, don't be surprised if O'Neill (and potentially even true freshman Travis Burgess) get an opportunity to play this season. As we all know, things can change at an instant, so it's very possible that we might see a variety of different looks from the quarterback spot once again this season.
Ideally, Edwards Jr. is able to be the guy to help lead a consistent and productive offensive attack, but if all else fails (which we sure hope doesn't), O'Neill and others will be ready for their chance to shine.
Now, the biggest question surrounding the UNC football program heading into the 2026 season has now been answered. With about a week and a half left before kickoff, the Tar Heels can now focus on preparing for TCU, knowing now officially that Edwards Jr. will be the guy taking the snaps when the offense takes the field in Ireland.
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