Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Bill Belichick Receives Good News on Sunday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Jan 4, 2026 10:57 AM ET

In the North Carolina Tar Heels' first season under Bill Belichick, the team went just 4-8 and 2-6 in ACC matchups. It's the first time since 2018 the program failed to reach bowl eligibility.

Now in the offseason, North Carolina looks to make improvements. That includes through the transfer portal, with On3 reporting that over 2,100 players have already entered.

Last offseason, Belichick was extremely active, bringing in a total of 42 players, while losing 41. He's quickly gotten to work, making an addition on Sunday.

ESPN's Pete Thamel reported that North Carolina landed a commitment from former Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Billy Edwards Jr.

Former Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9).Ross Harried-Imagn Images

Edwards appeared in just two games in 2025 before suffering a season-ending knee injury. He completed just 7 of 16 passes for 113 yards, zero touchdowns and zero interceptions.

Before his time with the Badgers, though, Edwards spent three years with the Maryland Terrapins, showcasing a bigger sample size. From 2022 to 2024, he threw for 3,322 yards, 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He added 375 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground.

On3 ranks him as the No. 20 quarterback and the No. 152 player available in the transfer portal. Edwards has just one more year of eligibility.

However, won't be transferring to North Carolina without facing competition. The Tar Heels' 2025 starter, Gio Lopez, is expected to return to Chapel Hill for the 2026 season, per On3's Pete Nakos.

Lopez had his own struggles in 2025, completing 170 of 261 passes for 1,747 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. Going into the offseason, he may need to battle Edwards for the starting spot.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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