Biggest UNC Football Camp Winners (and What Role Is Now)

Here are several players who have benefited the most from how training camp unfolded.

Dec 27, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels white helmet during pregame warm ups against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

With the college football season on the horizon, the offseason is wrapping up, and the North Carolina Tar Heels are preparing to transition from training camp to the season opener.

Fall camp has been a productive process for the Tar Heels, as the coaching staff has finalized multiple position groups. With that in mind, here are the biggest winners from North Carolina's training camp and what their roles will be this season.

Billy Edwards Jr.

Wisconsin quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) makes a call at the line during the first quarter of their game against Maryland Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Tar Heels entered training camp with no clear answer at quarterback, with Edwards Jr. and Miles O'Neill as the two favorites for the job. This one is obvious, as Edwards Jr. prevailed in the quarterback competition and was named the team's starter.

Yes, Edwards Jr. was the favorite to win the QB1 spot, but that wasn’t a certainty, evident by how the open competition unfolded. There was a point in training camp when O'Neill appeared to be the leader in the clubhouse. However, Edwards Jr.'s experience seemed to be a determining factor in the coaching staff's decision. It goes without saying that the former Wisconsin quarterback's role on this team is to lead and elevate the offense. The first two weeks of the season will be monumental.

Mason Humphrey

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

There may not have been another player who has raised his stock more than the Lehigh transfer wide receiver. Throughout training camp, Humphrey showed his big-play ability and physical presence; he made several plays in red zone drills, according to offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino.

Petrino discussed how sometimes you need players who can make plays in low-percentage situations. Humphrey can stretch the field and make contested catches. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound receiver has cemented himself as the WR2, and his role should be plentiful. With Jordan Shipp drawing the attention from opposing defenses, Humphrey could shine and produce strong numbers in 2026.

Shaq McRoy

Oct 28, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of a North Carolina Tar Heels helmet on the field before a game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

North Carolina invested heavily in the offensive line in the transfer portal, and McRoy was one of the marquee additions to that unit. The former Arkansas offensive tackle has taken advantage of the opportunity and improved every day in training camp, according to head coach Bill Belichick.

McRoy has proven to be an elite asset on this offensive line, and he should be the starting right tackle in the season opener against TCU. We haven't seen McRoy play extensive snaps during his time at Oregon and Arkansas, but he has quickly developed into a strong pass protector and solid run blocker.