It was evident that the quarterback position would be a point of emphasis for the UNC football program once the transfer portal officially opened. With Gio Lopez's struggles last season, added with the transfers of both Max Johnson and Bryce Baker, the depth in the quarterback room is very thin at the moment.
Well, Bill Belichick, Bobby Petrino and Michael Lombardi are taking quick action to rectify that.
Billy Edwards to visit UNC
On the official opening of the NCAA transfer portal window, aka college football free agency, the UNC football program is expected to host former Maryland and Wisconsin quarterback Billy Edwards for a visit.
Former Maryland and Wisconsin quarterback Billy Edwards will visit UNC on Friday and meet with Bill Belichick and Bobby Petrino, multiple sources have confirmed to TarHeel247.https://t.co/CLJ7fZ0bRb
— Andrew Jones (@AJTarHeel247) January 2, 2026
Last season was disappointing for Edwards, as he appeared in only two games due to injury. He suffered a PCL injury in Wisconsin's season opener, opting to rehab and heal naturally rather than undergoing surgery.
A few weeks later, Edwards returned to play against Maryland, but he was shut down after playing just eight snaps.
Now, Edwards is looking for a new home, and Chapel Hill, North Carolina might just be that spot.
More on Edwards
Before spending last season at Wisconsin, Edwards was Maryland's starting quarterback. During the 2024 season, Edwards completed 273 of his 440 passing attempts for 2,881 yards and 15 touchdowns, adding an additional five scores with his legs.
The 6-foot-3, 228-pounder has appeared in 28 games over his college career, throwing for 3,435 yards and 19 touchdowns. He also has 13 rushing touchdowns to his name, most of which have come in short yardage situations.
Taking a Gamble?
The UNC football program is clearly trying to bring in someone to challenge Lopez for the starting quarterback job. Bill Belichick knows that he can't go into the 2026 season without adding more depth at the position, as Edwards, in that sense, would be a logical fit for the Tar Heels.
However, is it worth it taking a gamble on a guy coming off an injury that sidelined him for essentially the entire 2025 season, especially given that Lopez also was injured in the UNC football program's season finale?
There's got to be something that the Tar Heels like about Edwards, considering how quickly they are moving to try to not only get him on campus, but to seal the deal in his recruitment early.
If you were hoping the UNC football program would be big-game hunting at the quarterback position, you'll be disappointed to know that they are more likely to make a low-key move at the position to strength the overall depth and to provide competition for the starting quarterback gig.