The Biggest Concern Nobody Is Talking About for UNC Football

The quarterback position has been under the spotlight this summer, but there is one key concern the Tar Heels have not discussed to this point.

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

The North Carolina Tar Heels have a roster filled with unknowns for the second fall camp in a row. As the program undergoes yet another significant change with roughly 60 new players added this offseason, there are bound to be concerns that fly under the radar.

At this point in the offseason, everything is purely a projection of who, what, and how the Tar Heels' depth chart will look. Transfers litter the offense with new starters, with numerous freshmen in the foreground, while the defense remains relatively the same outside of a couple of offseason additions.

Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick on the sidelines in the second quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

An Area of the Trenches Not Often Discussed

Two of those additions come along the offensive line, with new projected starters right guard Andrew Threatt and right tackle Jacqawn McRoy. One of the inconsistencies with the Tar Heels' offense last fall was their offensive line, part of the many problems they suffered in a unit that finished 126th in scoring offense. There were too many penalties and a lack of physicality up front that needed to be solved.

Freshman quarterback Travis Burgess is among the players competing to be a starter for Bill Belichick in the coach's second season with UNC football. There are several key position battles for the Tar Heels. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

While Threatt and McRoy are upgrades, the unit remains somewhat of an unknown outside of left guard Aidan Banfield, a favorite up front to earn All-ACC honors this fall. Left tackle Jordan Hall and center Christo Kelly must perform better this upcoming season with a new signal-caller under center.

Outside of having a great quarterback, the offensive line is the most critical part of everything within an offense. You should be building your roster inside out by starting in the trenches with quality tackles, suitable guards, and a terrific communicator and disciplined blocker at center. This is how you win football games in college and the NFL, and it works almost every time.

Sep 6, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels tight end Jake Johnson (19) and offensive lineman Aidan Banfield (68) double team Charlotte 49ers defensive lineman Zion Shockley (18) during the first half at Jerry Richardson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Tar Heels’ Offensive Line Remains an Unknown of Sorts

I believe it is fair to question the validity of the offensive line in Chapel Hill, especially after last season. Threatt is taking a major jump from Charleston Southern to Power 4 FBS football, while McRoy is getting his first snaps as a starter in Week 0 against the TCU Horned Frogs, a program that is expected to field a strong defense this fall. Everyone else is a returning player, but we're doing or projecting rather than solidifying.

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

All of the answers to whether or not the offensive line is formidable will be answered in the first few games of the season, including a matchup against National Championship favorite Notre Dame. If this front five can maintain its footing, it could be a much-improved campaign for North Carolina's offense.