As spring drills wrapped up in Chapel Hill, the North Carolina Tar Heels announced the departure of two of their recent contributors, wide receiver Shanard Clower and defensive back Ty Adams. Both athletes concluded their tenures after a brief but eventful stint on the roster.
Clower, who recorded 12 receptions for 98 yards in nine games last season, earned starting nods against Duke and in a California road test. Adams, a defensive back who logged 26 snaps across six appearances, was noted as one of the few holdovers from the Mack Brown era, a period that still shapes the program’s identity.
A New Chapter for the Tar Heels
Their exits mark a transition for a squad that is still anchored by the legacy of Brown’s early teams. Coach Mack Brown, now in his second stint, continues to blend veteran presence with fresh talent as the team prepares for a historic overseas kickoff.
The Tar Heels will open the 2026 college football season on foreign soil, facing TCU in Dublin on August 29. The matchup against the Horned Frogs will be the first ever regular‑season game for North Carolina on Irish soil, underscoring the program’s expanding global footprint.
While the loss of Clower and Adams creates gaps in depth, the coaching staff sees an opportunity to evaluate younger players in high‑pressure environments. The upcoming Ireland game is expected to draw significant attention from alumni and media alike.
Looking Ahead
The Tar Heels’ schedule also includes a return to domestic competition after the Dublin opener, with conference play slated to begin in September. Fans will be watching closely to see how the new roster dynamics unfold under Brown’s guidance.