North Carolina entered the 2026 campaign with a fresh face under center, promoting Billy Edwards Jr. to the starting role after a season in which Gio Lopez failed to find consistency.
A Promising Start
In his first test, Edwards delivered a 232‑yard passing effort that instantly eclipsed Lopez’s best outings from the previous year, topping the 216‑yard performance he managed against Syracuse in October 2025, a game that had been the high point of an otherwise uneven season.
The Tar Heels rode that momentum to a 15‑10 upset over Texas Christian University, a result that underscored the impact of Edwards’ arm and his chemistry with wide receiver Jordan Shipp, who hauled in five passes for 71 yards.
What set Edwards apart was not just volume but decision‑making; where Lopez often resorted to scrambles when pass protection broke down, Edwards displayed a willingness to step into the pocket and deliver downfield throws.
The early success has set a high bar for the upcoming matchup against East Tennessee State University on September 12, a game that will test whether the new quarterback can sustain this level of play as the schedule toughens.