3 Players Who Could Change Everything for UNC in 2026

The North Carolina Tar Heels will play a football game this weekend. We have finally made it to kickoff, and the excitement continues to simmer, bubbling until it explodes in pure joy and happiness. That's what fans are hoping to see this fall after last year's debacle in Year 1 of the Bill Belichick era.

While distractions may try to undermine the program, the players themselves are the most important factor in the school's success over the next three months. This is an improved roster with the talent to become a bowl-eligible team on paper.

Belichick UN — Jul 17, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick talks with the media during interviews at Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

On that same paper, the roster shows three players who could change everything for the Tar Heels in 2026. Let's look at who they are.

Billy Edwards Jr., Quarterback

Edwards UN — Oct 18, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) warms up before the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It starts under center, and the quarterback position remains tenuous at best, even after the Tar Heels named Edwards the starting signal-caller this week against TCU. There is plenty of skepticism to go around, and one player who must prove his worth is the former Wisconsin transfer. Even so, Edwards has a chance to be a true game manager for the offense.

Speaking of which, this is going to be a run-first-and-often system under offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino to help mitigate the weaknesses still present on the roster, including at quarterback. However, if Edwards were to play consistently and make good decisions with the ball, there is a reasonable chance the offense would improve dramatically and ease the concerns of a QB carousel this fall.

Melkart Abou Jaoude, Edge Rusher

MAJ UN — Oct 31, 2025; Syracuse, New York, USA; Syracuse Orange quarterback Joseph Filardi (13) loses a fumble on a tackle by North Carolina Tar Heels defensive lineman Melkart Abou Jaoude (9) in the fourth quarter at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The play and production speak for themselves. Abou Jaoude is one of the top pass rushers in the ACC this fall, in a conference filled with outstanding talents at the position, and he remains arguably the most important player on North Carolina's defense.

Abou Jaoude has remarkable size and brute power at the point of attack, making him a nuisance to deal with on a down-to-down basis. He can overwhelm most college offensive tackles, but the key here for the fifth-year pass rusher is making sure the production remains intact. Another fantastic season could help Abou Jaoude become one of the true standouts of the Belichick era if the team makes a push for bowl eligibility.

Mason Humphrey, Wide Receiver

Humphrey UN — Aug 30, 2024; West Point, New York, USA; Lehigh Mountain Hawks wide receiver Mason Humphrey (82) makes a leaping catch on a pass against the Army Black Knights during the first half at Michie Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

If the Tar Heels are to have a semblance of a competent passing game, the wide receiver corps has to play its role regardless of the quarterback debacle. Jordan Shipp remains the star of the show, but much of the hype for this group surrounds the potential of the senior Lehigh transfer.

Humphrey's size, speed, and vertical game ability have been well-documented for some time, but the hype must translate to the field with production at a Power Four program in the ACC. Humphrey has the skill set to be a star alongside Shipp, and his playmaking ability could lead to North Carolina's dramatic makeover of the offense.

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