Heading into the 2025 season, the tight end room is still a position of question for Bill Belichick and the UNC football program.
Last season, the tight end spot wasn't an issue, as the dynamic duo of John Copenhaver and Bryson Nesbit made significant impacts on the offensive side of the football. With both players departing for the NFL, it's now up to the new-look depth chart to handle business at the position.
While there's been a major overhaul at this position, the Tar Heels believe this group has what it takes to get the job done. The major question will be which players emerge as the key contributors for this year's squad.
Our 2025 UNC football positional previews continue with the tight end spot, one of the team's biggest questions heading into the new season.
What We Know
This group looks a lot different than it did a season ago.
With only three returners, the UNC football program has brought in five new players to help refill the depth chart. However, this group features talent but is very much unproven, leaving opportunities available for guys to step up and secure a role among the offensive unit.
Key Players
Jake Johnson
Johnson is the most notable returner among this group, serving as the team's No. 3 tight end a season ago. After transferring with his brother, Max, to Chapel Hill, Johnson now looks to become the team's starter at the position in year two of his time with the UNC football program.
2024 Stats (13 Games): Recorded 2 catches for 21 yards.
Connor Cox
Cox heads to North Carolina after two seasons at South Carolina. Although he was used sparingly, Cox is hopeful that the change of scenery bodes well for him, as an extended opportunity to see the field just might be what he needs to burst onto the scene.
2024 Stats (at South Carolina): Recorded 1 catch for 9 yards in 9 career games at South Carolina.
Jordan Owens
A transfer from Central Arkansas, Owens is coming off his best college season. He's served as a red zone threat, finding the end zone seven times during his first three seasons, as the Tar Heels are hoping he can continue that skillset in Chapel Hill.
2024 Stats (at Central Arkansas: Recorded 17 catches for 148 yards and two touchdowns.
Outlook
This positional group might just be the biggest area of concern for the UNC football program, given there's no proven players at the position.
However, while Belichick won't give away his secrets in terms of the depth chart, you'd have to think that the Tar Heels have some type of plan in place to get the most out of this group.
Depth Chart
Competing for Starting Role: Jake Johnson, Connor Cox, Jordan Owens
Additional Depth Options: Yasir Smith, Shamar Easter, Paul Barton, Cort Halsey, Deems May