Young UNC Players Who Could Become Larger Stars Than Anticipated

North Carolina has seen some of these younger players shine this offseason more than they anticipated, quickly becoming potential bright spots.

Jul 17, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick, 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 will play their first college football game of the season when they travel to Dublin, Ireland, to take on the TCU Horned Frogs. While fan morale may be low, the excitement for football remains, with hopes that things can turn around under second-year head coach Bill Belichick.

North Carolina made significant investments on both sides of the ball to ensure they have an improved unit across the board. There is hope that this group can win at least six games, and a big reason for that is some of their younger players who could become bigger stars sooner than anticipated. Let's see who they are.

Jakob Weatherspoon, Safety (FR)

Oct 31, 2025; Syracuse, New York, USA; Syracuse Orange quarterback Luke Carney (11) runs between North Carolina Tar Heels safety Gregory Smith III (12) and defensive back Jaiden Patterson (18) in the third quarter at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It doesn't come as a surprise that Weatherspoon made noise this offseason. He is a talented defensive back who has a bright future in college football, whether he stays in Chapel Hill or gets lured to another major Power Four program.

The size, athleticism, range, and ball skills will be on full display when he steps on the field. It wouldn't shock anyone to see Weatherspoon starting games later in the season, with the chance to become one of the Tar Heels' best players by the end of the year.

Demon June, Running Back (SO)

Nov 22, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Demon June (12) is wrapped by Duke Blue Devils defensive end Bryce Davis (14) during the first half at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

June returns this fall, coming off a 600-plus-yard season from scrimmage as a true freshman, providing some of the most explosive plays for a Tar Heels offense that finished 126th in scoring. This year, he is now the lead tailback, with offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino expected to orchestrate a run-first unit that could produce grand results.

June becomes one of the most important playmakers on the roster if the quarterback situation crumbles, leaving him as one of the bell cows of the offense. He has shown during the spring and fall camp that he is ready to take on a workhorse role for North Carolina's offense.

Jaxxon Warren, Tight End (RS SO)

Aug 30, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Colorado State Rams tight end Jaxxon Warren (19) catches a touchdown pass against the Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Warren was the Colorado State Rams' leading receiver through two games before an injury derailed what was expected to be an exciting year for the young tight end. Now, the 6-foot-8 pass-catcher is in Chapel Hill with the chance to stay healthy and produce significantly for the Tar Heels' passing game.

The redshirt sophomore has the toolkit to be a superstar, and he has showcased his talent as one of the top playmakers on offense heading into the regular season. Don't be surprised if Warren is making big plays from the jump.