The new-look coaching staff for the UNC football program understands the utter importance of strong and consistent play among the special teams units.
From blocking on kickoff returns to connecting on timely field goal attempts, the special teams unit can drastically change the outcome of a particular game. Fans of the UNC football program saw first-hand how botched punts and special teams blunders hurt the Tar Heels over the previous few seasons, as the hope is that the special teams play will be much better moving forward.
Given that the guy leading the program (Bill Belichick) coached arguably the most clutch kicker in NFL history (Adam Vinatieri) and developed some special teams stars (such as Matthew Slater), it's safe to say he knows that a ton of focus and preparation needs to be devoted to this unit.
What We Know
Noah Burnette is no longer in the mix, as he has transferred to Notre Dame for his final season of college football. After a nearly perfect junior season in 2023, Burnette faced some struggles during his senior season, converting on just 71.4% of his field goal attempts.
That simply isn't good enough to get the job done.
Tom Maginness returns, but even he has had some ups and downs as a member of the UNC football program. He certainly will be challenged for the punting job, especially if he's unable to find consistency with pinning the opponent deep within their own territory.
What we also know is that the special teams unit will feature a whole new look, given the entire revamping of the roster that occurred this offseason. Special teams will provide some opportunities for players (especially underclass men) to make their mark in hopes of earning more playing time at their natural positions.
Key Players
Punters
Tom Maginness
The Melbourne, Australia native is back for his senior season, one in which he hopes proves to be much more consistent.
In 2024, Maginness was called upon to punt 51 times, averaging 41.1 yards per punt. Tar Heel fans hope that the punting unit doesn't need to be relied upon as much this season, but when it is, they also hope the result is a successful one.
Jacob Horvath
In order to be a punter for the UNC football program, you must be a Melbourne, Australia native.
Totally kidding (or am I?).
Regardless, Horvath joins the UNC football program as a transfer from Eastern Illinois. He's coming off a season in which he was named the Second Team All-Big South punter, averaging 44.3 yards per punt. He booted 15 punts for 50 or more yards, including a season best 76-yarder.
Horvath will look to challenge Maginness for the punter job this upcoming season.
Place Kicker
Rece Verhoff
With Burnette's departure, the UNC football program had a void to fill at the kicker position.
Look no further than senior transfer Rece Verhoff.
The Columbus Grove, Ohio native spent his first three collegiate seasons at Marshall, appearing in 37 total games. He was perfect a season ago, connecting on all 14 field goal attempts and 40 PAT tries.
Verhoff likely is the clear-cut favorite to start the season as the Tar Heels' place kicker.
Guytano Bartolomeo
A true freshman, Bartolomeo comes to Chapel Hill after a strong career playing for high school national powerhouse Bergen Catholic in Oradell, New Jersey.
The Old Tappan, New Jersey native made 143 of his 145 extra point attempts and was 11 of 16 on field goal attempts during his senior season, helping the Crusaders win four consecutive New Jersey state titles.
While he might not see the field right away, this is a guy to keep an eye on moving forward.
Long Snapper
Spencer Triplett
A Patrick Mannelly Award Watch List nominee, Triplett is set to handle long snapper duties for the UNC football program this season. He has plenty of college experience, having served as the team's snapper in 39 games over the last three seasons.
Kick/Punt Returners
Chris Culliver
After returning two kickoffs to the house during the 2024 season, Chris Culliver is likely to serve as the team's primary kick returner this upcoming season, a role he's played in each of his first two seasons as a member of the UNC football program.
Will Hardy
After Alijah Huzzie handled punt return duties over the previous two seasons, the question of who will return punts this season is an intriguing one to ask.
Based on his veteran leadership, toughness and prior punt return experience, Will Hardy appears to be the guy who should have an opportunity to make plays with the ball in his hands as part of the punt return unit this season.