Examining North Carolina's Quarterback Room Following Spring Ball

Oct 11, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) watches pre-game warmups at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ross Harried-Imagn Images Ross Harried-Imagn Images

Examining North Carolina's Quarterback Room Following Spring Ball

Originally posted on North Carolina Tar Heels on SI
By Jared Feinberg | Last updated May 6, 2026 9:00 AM ET

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Since 2015, the North Carolina Tar Heels have seen a rich history of quarterbacks come through the program. While they aren't exactly a true signal-caller factory, they have grown accustomed to being one over the last decade.

T.J. Yates is statistically one of the great passers in program history, followed by Mitchell Trubisky, a top-two selection in the 2017 NFL Draft. Marquise Williams factored in between those two, while Sam Howell and Drake Maye followed in the past handful of years. Going into the second year of the Bill Belichick era, the quarterback position becomes more important than ever in a make-or-break season.

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Let's take a closer look at the Tar Heels quarterback as we approach the end of the spring semester and near the start of a hopefully turnaround for the program under their head coach.

A Quarterback Competition Is in Effect

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North Carolina will have a new offensive coordinator this upcoming season in Bobby Petrino, one of the most recognizable play-callers in college football. He had the opportunity to coach Lamar Jackson to a Heisman Trophy season in 2016, with a strong track record of turning offenses around. Now, Petrino is set to have a quarterback competition on his hands ahead of fall camp.

It is done to three quarterbacks, from my perspective: graduate transfer Billy Edwards Jr, redshirt sophomore transfer Miles O'Neil, and true freshman Travis Burgess. It is as plain and simple as it gets, as Petrino will want a signal-caller he can trust to operate the offense at an efficient level. With the current state of the offense and the talent available, a physical downhill run game with the use of heavier personnel packages to mix in with a potent passing game.

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Well, not exactly "plain and simple." However, this is what the Tar Heels have going for them. The veteran of the group, Edwards, has a strong argument based on his experience, but past injuries are likely to be a sticking point.

Inexperience plays a role for O'Neil and Burgess, with the latter possessing the most talent of the trio. The gem of Belichick's second recruiting class and a former 4-star recruit, Burgess enters Chapel Hill as a Top-10 recruit at the position, likely earning himself the status of the sentimental favorite from fans.

Who Should Get the Early Nod at Quarterback Ahead of Fall Camp?

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If Belichick and Petrino are serious about long-term stability at quarterback, it begins by giving the freshman the nod. Burgess is a player I viewed as a talent who can take North Carolina to ACC contention, and while there will be learning curves, Petrino is the type of offensive mind you want for a young quarterback, especially if they become a starter from the jump.

This article first appeared on North Carolina Tar Heels on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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