Following the 2024 season, Conner Harrell was one of many transfers to depart Chapel Hill.
After initially losing the starting quarterback competition to Max Johnson, Harrell was thrust into action in the season opener, relieving Johnson following what would end up being a season-ending injury.
The Alabaster, Alabama native would start three games before losing the starting gig again, this time to veteran Jacolby Criswell. Once that occurred, it seemed all but destined that Harrell would explore options via the transfer portal, and the Tar Heels' coaching changes likely played a factor in that decision.
Harrell didn't transfer far, ending up at Charlotte, and has earned the starting job out of training camp.
Source: Charlotte is naming redshirt junior transfer Conner Harrell the starting quarterback, and he’ll debut for the 49ers against Appalachian State on Friday night. He’s a dual-threat quarterback who started three games while at North Carolina. pic.twitter.com/oi6ewyAWjy
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 25, 2025
Harrell will be the man leading the 49ers' offense when they open up the 2025 season this week against Appalachian State. While he, and the 49ers, will take it "one game at a time," you'd have to suspect that his team's second opponent is certainly on his mind.
That opponent, fittingly, is the UNC football program.
Yes, North Carolina will travel to Charlotte for the contest, one that will undoubtedly be a meaningful one for the former Tar Heel. While there will be plenty of unfamiliar faces on North Carolina's sidelines, Harrell will still look to prove that he deserved more of an opportunity during his time in Chapel Hill.
If the cards play out the way they are supposed to, Harrell will have the chance at a "redemption game" against his former squad. It will definitely be the primary headline leading up to the non-conference bout between the two in-state programs.