OFFENSE DEFENSE

Drake Maye is on the short list of the top quarterbacks in the nation. He returns after throwing for 4,321 yards and 38 touchdowns last season. Oh, by the way, he also led the Tar Heels in rushing with 698 yards and seven touchdowns. He won’t run as much this season, and may even throw for more than 4,500 yards. He will miss his top two targets (Josh Downs and Antoine Green), but he will have a couple of nice receivers in Tez Walker and Nate McCollum, both from the portal. Walker was first team All-MAC at Kent State as a sophomore. McCollum caught 60 passes at Georgia Tech in 2022. Tight end Bryson Nesbit is also a handy weapon for Maye. Elijah Green and British Brooks are both capable backs, so the running game will be in good shape as long as the line stays healthy. Center Corey Gaynor is among the best in the conference.

For the second year in a row in this space, we must proclaim that the North Carolina defense wasn’t very good last season. Maybe 2023 is the year of improvement? The unit allowed 30.1 points a game and gave up 436.5 yards a game. Even with the stellar offense, another performance like that will not be sufficient. The Heels must find a way to make more plays in the backfield, and Kaimon Rucker is counted on to do just that off the edge. Improved play from Myles Murphy and Kevin Hester Jr. in the middle would go a long way toward turning this unit around. Cedric Gray is one of the best linebackers in the nation. But he needs help to alleviate the attention he receives from opponents. Power Echols is improving and should make more plays this season. The secondary has been remade and should be a strength.

Special Teams

Special Teams

2023 Schedule Newcomers

Tez Walker, WR — The transfer from Kent State amassed good numbers against inferior competition, but he was also playing catch with an inferior quarterback.

Nate McCollum, WR — Grabbing 60 catches at Georgia Tech is no small feat.

Alijah Huzzie, CB — The Heels are counting on Huzzie, a transfer from East Tennessee State, to become a top cover corner in the ACC. Too much to ask?

Derrik Allen, S — The safety brings his talents to Chapel Hill after a solid career with the Yellow Jackets.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA

HEAD COACH: Pat Narduzzi

OC: Frank Cignetti Jr.

DC: Randy Bates

2022 RECORD: 9-4 (5-3)

FOUNDED: 1787

STADIUM: Heinz Field (68,400)