As spring drills wrap up in Chapel Hill, the North Carolina Tar Heels are confronting an unexpected turnover: wide receiver Shanard Clower and defensive back Ty Adams have both announced their departure from the program.
Departures from the Tar Heels
Clower, who recorded 12 receptions for 98 yards last season, leaves after a modest but promising sophomore campaign that hinted at deeper involvement in the offense.
Adams, a defensive back who logged 26 snaps across six games, also exits, marking the end of a brief but eventful stint that saw him contribute on special teams and in nickel packages.
Their exits come at a time when the Tar Heels are still shaping a roster that will soon embark on a historic venture: the 2026 season will open with a game in Dublin against the TCU Horned Frogs, a first‑ever meeting between the ACC program and a Big 12 opponent on Irish soil.
Coaching staff and analysts alike are already weighing the implications of losing experienced depth, especially as the team looks to integrate younger talent and maintain competitiveness in the ACC.
Inside Carolina, the fan‑focused outlet that covers the program extensively, has highlighted both the sentimental value of the departures and the opportunities they create for emerging players.
Meanwhile, TCU’s own preparations are underway, with the Horned Frogs’ official site noting the significance of playing in front of an international audience as part of a broader effort to grow the sport globally.
The upcoming clash in Dublin will not only test the Tar Heels’ adjusted lineup but also serve as a showcase for college football’s expanding reach beyond traditional borders.