Former Bowl MVP Has Chance to Shine for UNC

UNC football coach Bill Belichick during a press conference ahead of the Tar Heels' first spring practice on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Rodd Baxley/The Fayetteville Observer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Former Bowl MVP Has Chance to Shine for UNC

Originally posted on North Carolina Tar Heels on SI
By Jared Feinberg | Last updated May 12, 2026 10:00 AM ET

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North Carolina football has undergone significant roster changes in the last two seasons, adding roughly 70 and 50 new players to the program in each of the last two years, respectively. Head coach Bill Belichick is building the Tar Heels from the ground up and was only a few points away from being a bowl team last season if two of their games had broken their way.

For some transfers on the roster who have come in within the last year, patience is a virtue. This year, some of those players have a chance to make a name for themselves for the first time in a handful of years or ever. One player, redshirt senior safety Coleman Bryson, has that same opportunity as his teammates to do just that.

Former Bowl MVP Could Become a Bright Spot for Tar Heels Defense

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Entering his final year of eligibility, Bryson will look to unlock the potential he showed during his true freshman season when he first began his college career with the Minnesota Gophers. He was named Pinstripe Bowl MVP that season after making seven tackles, defending a pass, and returning an interception 70 yards for a touchdown in the Gophers' win over Syracuse.

Bryson, a former 3-star recruit from Waynesville, North Carolina, would spend the next three seasons in the Gophers safety rotation before transferring back home to North Carolina to be a part of Belichick’s program. After playing a similar role last season and being a key contributor on kickoff and punt coverages, Bryson now has an opportunity to be a full-time starter.

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When you look back at the 2022 Pinstripe Bowl, there are flashes of playmaking ability from Bryson; his athleticism has stood out for years, whether on special teams or in the rotation. He plays with a quick trigger to the football and has shown the ability to attack the catch point with several broken-up passes to his name, including a pair last season.

I think Bryson also has a chance to be one of the leaders of the Tar Heels' secondary and potentially the entire defense. Belichick recruited roughly 30 freshmen this cycle, meaning there is a lot of youth on the roster and a chance for Bryson to be one of the secondary's veteran leaders.

Bryson Is in Position To Be Key Defensive Contributor This Season

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We all know Kaleb Cost is undoubtedly the best defensive back on the roster. He’ll be relied on to make the most plays, which puts more pressure on Bryson and teammate Greg Smith to step up in their respective roles. When on the field, Bryson did have some lapses that he must correct with more control as a tackler in space.

If that same defender who won a bowl game MVP shows up this upcoming season, the Tar Heels could have a dependable group on the backend who they hope can give their high-ceiling offense more opportunities with the ball. Bryson will certainly be a player to watch heading into the fall.

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

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