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3 hours ago
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Bill Belichick’s tenure as the head coach of North Carolina football is already proving to be a crash course in the challenges of modern college football. While Belichick has been on the recruiting trail and assembling his staff, he’s also been dealing with the impact of the transfer portal, which has reshaped rosters across the nation.
Since Belichick arrived in Chapel Hill, the Tar Heels have seen 18 players enter the portal, according to 247Sports. On Wednesday, they lost their 19th—and perhaps the most significant—player yet.
Starting quarterback Jacolby Criswell announced his decision to transfer, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Criswell, who initially played for North Carolina from 2020-2022 before transferring to Arkansas, returned to UNC last season and earned the starting job. In 2024, he appeared in 12 games, completing 58.1% of his passes for 2,459 yards, 15 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Criswell also added on the ground, rushing for 103 yards and three touchdowns.
The season ended on a sour note for Criswell, who suffered an arm injury in UNC’s Fenway Bowl loss to UConn. The injury forced backup quarterback Michael Merdinger into action during the 27-14 defeat.
With one year of eligibility remaining, Criswell’s departure leaves the Tar Heels with questions under center. It also underscores the challenges facing Belichick as he navigates his first offseason in college football, where roster turnover is now a constant battle.
For North Carolina fans, the loss of Criswell is a tough blow, but Belichick’s focus on recruiting and development will be key as he works to fill the void left by his departing quarterback.
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