On3 predicts winner of the UNC football program's starting quarterback job

The quarterback competition in Chapel Hill has everyone's attention.

While Mack Brown and the UNC football program work to determine who will be under center in the team's season opener at Minnesota, the world waits to see who will get the first crack at replacing star quarterback Drake Maye.

Three quarterbacks are competing for the job, but the competition is likely to come down to just two: Max Johnson and Conner Harrell.

Jesse Simonton of On3 took a look at the most intriguing starting quarterback battles that are going on across the country, as he provided a prediction on who will win the job for the UNC football program.

"Perhaps the single toughest 2024 quarterback battle to handicap looms in Chapel Hill. While Criswell, a former Tar Heel who left for Arkansas before returning to UNC, was brought in after spring practice — suggesting Mack Brown wasn’t overly pleased with his current options under center — word is the boomerang transfer isn’t currently a serious option for the job.

The battle between Johnson and Harrell, who started the Duke’s Mayo Bowl game but struggled with two picks, hasn’t resulted in a named starter yet, though. Johnson has a major leg-up in experience (and his ability to protect the football), but Harrell can challenge opponents with his legs and offers more upside. 

Prediction: Johnson gets the nod Week 1 on the road at Minnesota, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if multiple quarterbacks (perhaps all three if Criswell gets in shape come midseason) start a game this fall."

While Simonton believes Johnson will get the start in the season opener, he also believes that Tar Heels fans will see Harrell and perhaps even Jacolby Criswell at some point this season.

As Simonton noted, Johnson has the edge in terms of collegiate experience, but Harrell offers more athleticism and upside moving forward.

It will be interesting to see how this battle plays out, as there are plenty of factors to consider. The strength of the offensive line might play a huge role in the decision, as Brown and his staff may elect to go with the more mobile Harrell if they believe the new-look offensive line can't hold up. If they show throughout training camp that they can be a consistently stable unit, then it might be Johnson's job to lose.

We're still a few weeks away from a decision, as there will be plenty of chatter about the UNC football program's starting quarterback job leading up to the final decision.