North Carolina QB Marquise Williams announces he's boycotting the program

Former North Carolina quarterback Marquise Williams says he will not attend any Tar Heels football games during the 2026 season, citing concerns about what he has been hearing surrounding the program. The announcement, made in a brief social media post, comes at a sensitive moment as UNC prepares for its second year under head coach Bill Belichick.

I will not be attending any UNC football games this year! The things I’m hearing man I would have never thought💔

“I will not be attending any UNC football games this year! The things I’m hearing man I would have never thought,” Williams wrote on X. He did not provide further details, but the statement quickly drew attention given his history with the program and continued proximity to it.

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Williams remains closely connected to football in North Carolina, currently serving as a quarterbacks coach at Louisburg College. That ongoing involvement adds weight to his comments, as he is not a distant observer but someone still embedded in the local football landscape. His decision to step away publicly signals unease at a time when the program is attempting to establish stability.

During his time at North Carolina, Williams built one of the most decorated careers in school history. Over five seasons, he appeared in 48 games with 33 starts and led the Tar Heels to the ACC Championship Game in 2015. He finished his career holding 20 program records, including marks for quarterback rushing touchdowns (35), rushing yards (2,458), and total offense (10,423 yards).

His comments also come as UNC leadership continues to defend the program's direction. General manager Michael Lombardi recently addressed criticism, saying, “All during those stormy times, all during when the boat was getting capsized… our players hung together.” That message reflects the program’s public stance following a 4–8 debut season under Belichick that included both on-field struggles and off-field distractions.

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Belichick, a seven-time Super Bowl-winning coach, was brought in with expectations of immediate structure and long-term success. Instead, much of the attention during his first year shifted beyond the field, including scrutiny tied to his personal life and broader program narratives. Despite that, UNC has maintained its commitment to the veteran coach heading into Year 2.