The University of North Carolina Tar Heels entered the offseason with a clear objective: stabilize a quarterback position that underperformed in 2025.
Head coach Mack Brown and his staff addressed the vacancy by bringing in Billy Edwards Jr., Miles O'Neill and four‑star recruit Travis Burgess, while also noting the departure of Gio Lopez to Wake Forest.
Au’Tori Newkirk, once a four‑star recruit and the team’s initial top prospect, saw limited action last season, completing just three of six passes for 23 yards with one touchdown and an interception.
Those numbers, coupled with the arrival of more highly touted arms, dropped Newkirk to fourth on the depth chart, effectively ending his chances of starting unless injuries occur.
Depth Chart Reconfiguration
Edwards Jr. emerged as the clear front‑runner for the opening game, with O'Neill slated as the primary backup and Burgess projected to assume the starting role in 2027.
Coaches have described Newkirk as a serviceable fourth‑string option, but his lack of elite talent and limited production keep him out of the starting conversation for the upcoming season.
The Tar Heels’ strategy hinges on avoiding turnover pitfalls, and the depth chart reflects a deliberate effort to build continuity at the position.