3 UNC football players who should be replaced on the depth chart for 2024

The UNC football program got off to a red-hot start in 2023 but faltered down the stretch, an unfortunate trend that has become a regular occurrence for the Tar Heels over the last few seasons.

Especially with star quarterback Drake Maye under center, it certainly feels as if the Tar Heels underachieved, as the 2024 roster is set to look a whole lot different than it did a season ago.

Of course, there's been plenty of players leaving Chapel Hill, as a good amount of starters have either entered the NFL Draft, transferred out of the program or exhausted their remaining eligibility. Things will certainly be different at North Carolina, but that doesn't mean more changes shouldn't at least be considered.

These three players are projected to have a starting role in 2024, that Mack Brown should seek to replace internally or potentially through the transfer portal.

The bulk of McCollum's production during the 2023 season came during two games, as he recorded 22 receptions for 300 yards and a touchdown in wins over Minnesota and Syracuse.

In total, the Georgia Tech transfer finished his first season as a Tar Heel with 44 catches for 469 yards and one score. Injuries and issues with drops really impacted McCollum, who is hoping to have a bounce back season, but it wouldn't be a bad idea for the UNC football program to explore other options at this position.

There's some young talent within this group, especially in the incoming freshman class, as it's possible that one of the young guys can make a bigger impact in this role.

Two guys to keep an eye on here are Christian Hamilton and Jordan Shipp.

We saw a little of Hamilton late in the 2023 season, as the true freshman recorded three catches for 20 yards in the bowl game against West Virginia. The former four-star seems to be on the verge of being ready to make an impact heading into his sophomore season.

Shipp is set to be an incoming freshman but has the makings of being an impact player right away for the Tar Heels. He is a recruit who drew a lot of attention during his recruitment, as his skill set could be a very valuable weapon for the Tar Heels' offense immediately.

No one is saying that McCollum isn't talented. The issue is the injury history as well as his issues with drops a season ago. It wouldn't be wise for Mack Brown to rely on McCollum as much as they hoped to a season ago, as this group has plenty of options to explore at this position.