Billy Edwards Jr. will start for North Carolina against
Why it matters
The selection of Billy Edwards Jr. as the starting quarterback for the North Carolina Tar Heels marks a pivotal moment for the team as they look to improve after a disappointing season. With his experience and past performance, Edwards could have a significant impact on the offense's performance, impacting the team's prospects for the College Football season.
Context
Billy Edwards Jr., a transfer from Wisconsin, brings with him a wealth of experience that could prove decisive for the North Carolina Tar Heels. His competition with Miles O'Neill highlighted the depth of the roster and the strategy of new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, who is looking for a quarterback with more experience to face the challenges of the season.
Key points
- Billy Edwards Jr. will be the starter for North Carolina against.
- He was chosen as North Carolina's starting quarterback for the game against TCU in the first round of the season.
- Bill Belichick names Billy Edwards Jr. as North Carolina’s starting QB: Reports - The Athletic.
Billy Edwards Jr., a transfer from Wisconsin, will be North Carolina's starter for the season opener against TCU in Ireland. Jeff Hanisch / Imagn Images Bill Belichick, facing a crucial season in Chapel Hill after a disappointing 4-8 debut, has tapped a seasoned veteran to lead the Tar Heels' offense when the team faces TCU in Ireland on Aug. 29. Billy Edwards Jr., a transfer from Wisconsin and in his sixth year of collegiate football, won a close preseason contest against Miles O'Neill, a transfer from Texas A&M, according to ESPN. UNC's new offensive coordinator, Bobby Petrino, recruited O'Neill when he was part of the Texas A&M staff in 2023, but the Tar Heels chose the more experienced quarterback. Edwards played in 28 collegiate football games and made 16 starts at Wake Forest, Maryland and Wisconsin. O'Neill played in eight games over two seasons at Texas A&M, completing 12 passes on 20 attempts for 171 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Edwards had his best season at Maryland in 2024, completing 65 percent of his passes for a total of 2,881 yards, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions on a team that finished the season with a 4-8 record. He had the second-best passing yards per game average in the Big Ten, with 261.9 yards, behind only Dillon Gabriel. The best performance of his career came in a game against USC, won by Maryland 29-28, in which Edwards completed 39 passes on 50 attempts for a total of 373 yards, scoring three touchdowns. Edwards' powerful physique could become an important part of Petrino's attack, provided the player stays healthy. At 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, the Virginia native scored 13 career rushing touchdowns and was often used as a short-yardage quarterback at Maryland before becoming the starter. In 2023 he scored seven rushing touchdowns, three of them from one yard, in the game against Michigan. Edwards transferred to Wisconsin before the 2025 season, but injured his left knee in the season opener against Miami (Ohio). He returned to play three weeks later against Maryland, but left on the second drive of the game against Wisconsin. He never played again after that, finishing the season with just 16 pass attempts and 113 yards. He was granted an additional year of eligibility after playing just two games last season. If Edwards is able to maintain the level of performance he had at Maryland, North Carolina could have a significantly better offense than last season, which was disastrous, finishing 92nd in the NCAA in points scored per game.
What happens now
As the season begins against the TCU Horned Frogs, Edwards is expected to lead the Tar Heels' offense, using his experience to face high-level competition. Edwards' performance will not only determine the outcome of the game, but will also have repercussions on team morale and their season as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the date of the North Carolina vs. TCU game?
The game between North Carolina and TCU will be played on August 29.
Who is the starter for North Carolina against TCU?
Billy Edwards Jr. will be the starter for North Carolina against TCU.
How does the game impact the College Football standings?
The article does not provide details on the impact of the game on the College Football standings.
What is Billy Edwards Jr.'s background?
Billy Edwards Jr. played in 28 collegiate football games and had 16 starts, transferring from Wisconsin.
Who won the quarterback competition at North Carolina?
Billy Edwards Jr. won the quarterback competition against Miles O'Neill.
