2023 North Carolina Tar Heels football team

The 2023 North Carolina Tar Heels football team represented the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Tar Heels were led by head coach Mack Brown, who was in the fifth season of his second stint at North Carolina and 15th overall season at the university. The team played their home games at Kenan Memorial Stadium.

2023 North Carolina Tar Heels football
ConferenceAtlantic Coast Conference
Record8–5 (4–4 ACC)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorChip Lindsey (1st season)
Defensive coordinatorGene Chizik (4th season)
Home stadiumKenan Memorial Stadium
Seasons
← 2022
2024 →
2023 Atlantic Coast Conference football standings
ConfOverall
Team W L  W L 
No. 6 Florida State y$ 80  131 
No. 19 Louisville y 71  104 
No. 21 NC State 62  94 
Georgia Tech 53  76 
Virginia Tech 53  76 
North Carolina 44  85 
No. 20 Clemson 44  94 
Duke 44  85 
Miami (FL) 35  76 
Boston College 35  76 
Syracuse 26  67 
Virginia 26  39 
Pittsburgh 26  39 
Wake Forest 17  48 
Championship: Florida State 16, Louisville 6
  • $ – Conference champion
  • y – Championship game participant
Rankings from AP Poll

Off-season

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Coaching changes

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After the ACC Championship Game, offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Phil Longo accepted the same position at Wisconsin. Offensive line coach Jack Bicknell Jr. followed Longo to Madison after one year in Chapel Hill.[1]

On December 14, 2022, the Tar Heels hired Randy Clements as the new offensive line coach,[2] and would also hire Chip Lindsey to fill the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach vacancy.[3] Along with the new hires, AHC/WR coach Lonnie Galloway added the title of pass game coordinator, and then-TE coach John Lilly added the title of run game coordinator.

Cornerbacks coach and Tar Heel football legend Dré Bly would leave the program in January,[4] and would be replaced in the position by Indiana safeties coach Jason Jones.[5]

In February, John Lilly left to take the TE coach position on Frank Reich's Carolina Panthers staff.[6] He was replaced four days later by former Cleveland Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens.[7] Kitchens was introduced officially on March 1, in the team's pre-spring practice press conference. Kitchens retains Lilly's former title of run game coordinator as well.

Former Tar Heel letterman and longtime NFL assistant Clyde Christensen joined the staff as a volunteer offensive analyst as well, after several seasons as the quarterbacks coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[8]

The defensive staff was fortified also, as former NFL assistant coach Ted Monachino was hired as a defensive analyst.[9]

Departures

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NFL Draft

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The following Tar Heels were selected in the 2023 NFL draft.

RoundPickPlayerPositionNFL Team
379Josh DownsWRIndianapolis Colts
5169Asim RichardsOLDallas Cowboys
7219Antoine GreenWRDetroit Lions
7227Raymond VohasekDLJacksonville Jaguars

Transfers

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Per NCAA guidance, players can enter the transfer portal in one of two windows. The first, a 45-day period following the conclusion of the sport's regular season, opened for football in December 2022 and closed in January 2023. A second, shorter transfer period opened on April 15, following the conclusion of spring practice.

Source: [10]

NameNo.Pos.HeightWeightHometownYearNew school
Dontae Balfour14DB6'1"180Starke, FL FreshmanCharlotte
Tymir Brown28DB6'0"180Jacksonville, NC FreshmanECU
Chris Collins17DL6'4"245Richmond, VAGraduateMinnesota
Ja'Qurious Conley‡0DB6'1"215Jacksonville, NCJunior«»
Jacolby Criswell6QB6'1"225Morrilton, ARSophomoreArkansas
Raneiria "RaRa" Dillworth11LB6'1"200Winston-Salem, NCSophomoreECU
Storm Duck3DB6'0"200Boiling Springs, SCSeniorLouisville
Tony Grimes1DB6'0"195Virginia Beach, VAJuniorTexas A&M
Ladaeson Deandre Hollins‡15DB6'1"200Tampa, FLGraduateCharlotte
Bryson Jennings‡19DL6'4"245Richmond, VA FreshmanLiberty
Kendall Karr82TE6'3"250Belmont, NCSophomoreCoastal Carolina
Cam'Ron Kelly9DB6'1"210Chesapeake, VASeniorLouisville
Jonathan Kim95PK6'0"210Fredericksburg, VASeniorMichigan State
Dontavius Nash21DB6'2"180Gastonia, NC FreshmanECU
Justin Olson83WR6'2"200Huntersville, NCJuniorMTSU
Keeshawn Silver55DL6'5"315Rocky Mount, NC FreshmanKentucky
Gabe Stephens‡34DL6'3"220Mount Holly, NC SophomoreEastern Kentucky
Jahlil Taylor52DL6'0"295Vienna, GASeniorODU

‡ Entered transfer portal following the conclusion of spring practices.

«» Indicates player did not enroll at a new school.

Additions

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Incoming transfers

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Source:[10]

NameNo.Pos.HeightWeightHometownYearPrevious school
Derrik Allen7DB6'2"211Marietta, GAGraduateGeorgia Tech
Armani Chatman9DB6'0"180Virginia Beach, VAGraduateVirginia Tech
Ryan Coe40K6'3"225McDonald, PAGraduateCincinnati
Amari Gainer3Jack6'3"237Tallahassee, FLGraduateFlorida State
Alijah Huzzie28DB5'11"190Franklin, GAJuniorETSU
Willie Lampkin53OL6'0"275Lakeland, FLSeniorCoastal Carolina
Antavious "Stick" Lane1DB5'9"180West Palm Beach, FLGraduateGeorgia State
Tom Maginness96P6'0"220Melbourne, AustraliaSophomoreProKick Australia
Nate McCollum6WR5'11"185Hampton, GASeniorGeorgia Tech
Devontez Walker9WR6'3"190Charlotte, NCJuniorKent State

Recruiting class

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Source:[11]

North Carolina signed 20 players in the class of 2023. The Tar Heels' class finished 30th in the 247Sports composite rankings, 28th in the Rivals rankings, and 29th in the ESPN.com rankings. Four signees were ranked in the ESPN 300 prospect list.

US college sports recruiting information for high school athletes
NameHometownHigh school / collegeHeightWeightCommit date
Tad Hudson
QB
Cornelius, NCHough6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)225 lb (102 kg)Aug 1, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   Rivals:    247Sports:    ESPN:    ESPN grade: 83
Jaybron Harvey
EDGE
Durham, NCSouthern Durham6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)215 lb (98 kg)Jul 1, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   Rivals:    247Sports:    ESPN:    ESPN grade: 82
Joel Starlings
DL
Richmond, VABenedictine6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)310 lb (140 kg)May 23, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   Rivals:    247Sports:    ESPN:    ESPN grade: 82
Chris Culliver
WR
Maiden, NCMaiden6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)190 lb (86 kg)Jul 4, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   Rivals:    247Sports:    ESPN:    ESPN grade: 81
Christian Hamilton
WR
Harrisburg, NCHickory Ridge5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)175 lb (79 kg)Jul 1, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   Rivals:    247Sports:    ESPN:    ESPN grade: 80
Nolan McConnell
OL
Stafford, VAColonial Forge6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)260 lb (120 kg)May 3, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   Rivals:    247Sports:    ESPN:    ESPN grade: 79
Tyler Thompson
EDGE
Cary, NCPanther Creek6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)205 lb (93 kg)Jun 29, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   Rivals:    247Sports:    ESPN:    ESPN grade: 79
Caleb LaVallee
LB
Mableton, GAWhitefield Academy6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)215 lb (98 kg)Jun 6, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   Rivals:    247Sports:    ESPN:    ESPN grade: 78
Tre Miller
DB
Edmond, OKDeer Creek5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)170 lb (77 kg)Jun 26, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   Rivals:    247Sports:    ESPN:    ESPN grade: 78
Rodney Lora
DL
Woodberry Forest, VAWoodberry Forest6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)275 lb (125 kg)Dec 20, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   Rivals:    247Sports:    ESPN:    ESPN grade: 78
D.J. Geth
OL
Roebuck, SCDorman6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)300 lb (140 kg)Jun 25, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   Rivals:    247Sports:    ESPN:    ESPN grade: 77
Paul Billups
WR
Chesapeake, VAWestern Branch6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)190 lb (86 kg)Aug 24, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   Rivals:    247Sports:    ESPN:    ESPN grade: 77
Jordan Louie
RB
Norcross, GAMeadowcreek6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)200 lb (91 kg)Dec 21, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   Rivals:    247Sports:    ESPN:    ESPN grade: 77
Amare Campbell
LB
Manassas, VAUnity Reed6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)230 lb (100 kg)Aug 24, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   Rivals:    247Sports:    ESPN:    ESPN grade: 76
Julien Randolph
TE
Ashburn, VAIndependence6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)215 lb (98 kg)Jun 14, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   Rivals:    247Sports:    ESPN:    ESPN grade: 76
Kaleb Cost
DB
Tyrone, GASandy Creek5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)180 lb (82 kg)Jun 11, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   Rivals:    247Sports:    ESPN:    ESPN grade: 76
Ayden Duncanson
DB
Mableton, GAWhitefield Academy6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)185 lb (84 kg)Oct 16, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   Rivals:    247Sports:    ESPN:    ESPN grade: 76
R.J. Grigsby
OL
Kennesaw, GANorth Cobb6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)295 lb (134 kg)Jul 1, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   Rivals:    247Sports:    ESPN:    ESPN grade: 76
Ty Adams
DB
Swainsboro, GASwainsboro5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)175 lb (79 kg)Sep 25, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   Rivals:    247Sports:    ESPN:    ESPN grade: 76
Michael Short
LB
Charlotte, NCMallard Creek6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)220 lb (100 kg)Dec 15, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   Rivals:    247Sports:    ESPN:    ESPN grade: 74
Overall recruiting rankings:   Rivals: #28  247Sports: #30  ESPN: #29
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "Rivals commits". Rivals.com. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
  • "ESPN commits". ESPN.com. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
  • "2023 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
  • "247Sports commits". 247sports.com. Retrieved August 28, 2023.

Personnel

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Coaching Staff

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North Carolina Tar Heels coaches
Mack BrownHead coach15th
Chip LindseyOffensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach1st
Freddie KitchensRun game coordinator/Tight ends coach1st
Randy ClementsOffensive line coach1st
Lonnie GallowayAssistant head coach/Pass Game coordinator/Wide receivers5th
Larry PorterSpecial Teams coordinator/Running backs3rd
Gene ChizikAHC/Defensive Coordinator4th
Charlton WarrenCo-defensive coordinator/Defensive backs coach2nd
Tommy ThigpenCo-defensive coordinator/Inside Linebackers coach6th
Tim CrossDefensive line coach5th
Jason JonesCornerbacks coach1st
Brian HessHead strength and conditioning coach5th
Sparky WoodsSenior advisor to head coach5th
Darrell MoodySenior advisor to head coach5th
Clyde ChristensenVolunteer Offensive Analyst1st
Ted MonachinoSenior Defensive Analyst1st
Reference:[12]

Roster

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2023 North Carolina Tar Heels Football Roster

Quarterback

  • 10 Drake Mayesophomore (6'4, 225)
  • 12 Tad Hudson – freshman (6'2, 220)
  • 14 Jefferson Boaz – junior (6'7, 235)
  • 15 Conner Harrell freshman (6'0, 200)
  • 16 Russell Tabor – sophomore (6'2, 215)

Running back

  • 4 Caleb Hood – junior (5'11, 225)
  • 21 Elijah Green – junior (5'11, 210)
  • 23 George Pettaway – sophomore (5'0, 195)
  • 24 British Brooks – graduate (5'11, 225)
  • 25 Kellan Hood – freshman (5'10, 190)
  • 28 Omarion Hamptonsophomore (6'0, 220)
  • 34 Jordan Louie – freshman (5'10, 215)

Wide receiver

  • 0 Tychaun "Doc" Chapman – freshman (5'9, 175)
  • 1 Andre Greene Jr. – freshman (6'2, 200)
  • 2 Gavin Blackwell – sophomore (5'11, 180)
  • 3 Chris Culliver – freshman (6'1, 185)
  • 5 J.J. Jones – junior (6'2, 210)
  • 6 Nate McCollum – junior (5'8, 185)
  • 7 Christian Hamilton – freshman (5'11, 180)
  • 8 Kobe Paysour – sophomore (6'0, 185)
  • 9 Devontez "Tez" Walkerjunior (6'2, 195)
  • 11 Paul Billups II – freshman (6'1, 195)
  • 13 Tylee Craft – senior (6'5, 200)
  • 19 Grady Sherrill – freshman (5'8, 180)
  • 20 Brooks Miller – sophomore (5'11, 180)
  • 27 Michael Hall – freshman (6'0, 180)
  • 38 Aiden Cloninger – freshman (5'11, 190)
  • 83 Josh Espindola – freshman (5'10, 170)
  • 84 Cyrus Rogers – sophomore (5'11, 185)
  • 85 Landon Stevens – junior (6'2, 200)
  • 86 Thomas Flynn – sophomore (6'3, 205)

Placekicker

  • 37 Liam Boyd – freshman (6'0, 200)
  • 40 Ryan Coe – graduate (6'2, 220)
  • 90 Todd Pledger – sophomore (6'8, 210)
  • 98 Noah Burnette – junior (5'10, 175)

Punter

  • 91 Ben Kiernan – graduate (6'0, 210)
  • 92 Cole Maynard — sophomore (6'2, 172)
  • 96 Tom Maginness – sophomore (6'0, 205)
 

Tight end

  • 18 Bryson Nesbitjunior (6'5, 235)
  • 80 Julien Randolph – freshman (6'5, 220)
  • 81 John Copenhaver – junior (6'3, 240)
  • 82 Deems May – freshman (6'1, 230)
  • 87 Cort Halsey – freshman (6'2, 215)
  • 88 Kamari Morales – graduate (6'2, 245)
  • 89 Cal Tierney – freshman (6'5, 235)

Offensive line

  • 51 R.J. Grigsby – freshman (6'3, 315)
  • 52 Jonathan Adorno – senior (6'4, 315)
  • 53 Willie Lampkin – junior (5'11, 290)
  • 54 Chance Carroll – junior (6'2, 295)
  • 55 Zach Rice – freshman (6'4, 315)
  • 60 Carter Kulka – sophomore (6'3, 270)
  • 61 Diego Pounds – sophomore (6'5, 330)
  • 63 Ed Montilus – graduate (6'3, 315)
  • 64 Malik McGowan – junior (6'3, 320)
  • 65 Corey Gaynor – graduate (6'3, 305)
  • 68 D.J. Geth – freshman (6'3, 305)
  • 69 Jarvis Hicks – freshman (6'6, 295)'
  • 72 Nolan McConnell – freshman (6'6, 320)
  • 73 Eli Sutton – sophomore (6'6, 310)
  • 74 Justin Kanyuk – freshman (6'5, 315)
  • 75 Spencer Rolland – graduate (6'6, 315)
  • 76 William Barnes – senior (6'4, 320)
  • 78 Trevyon Green – freshman (6'7, 340)
  • 79 Bo Burkes – freshman (6'2, 300)

Defensive line

  • 0 Tomari Fox – graduate (6'3, 300)
  • 4 Travis Shaw – sophomore (6'5, 335)
  • 5 Jahvaree Ritzie – junior (6'4, 295)
  • 8 Myles Murphy – senior (6'4, 310)
  • 10 Desmond Evans – senior (6'6, 275)
  • 12 Beau Atkinson – freshman (6'5, 270)
  • 41 Kedrick Bingley-Jones – junior (6'4, 305)
  • 92 Rodney Lora – freshman (6'3, 275)
  • 93 Jacolbe Cowan – junior (6'4, 280)
  • 94 Joel Starlings – freshman (6'3, 280)
  • 96 Damon Bremer – freshman (6'2, 255)
  • 98 Kevin Hester Jr. – senior (6'3, 315)
 

Jack

  • 3 Amari Gainer – graduate (6'3, 235)
  • 14 Jaybron Harvey – freshman (6'3, 240)
  • 24 Malaki Hamrick – sophomore (6'2, 220)
  • 25 Kaimon Ruckersenior (6'1, 265)
  • 40 Tyler Thompson – freshman (6'5, 220)
  • 87 Colby Doreen – junior (6'4, 225)

Linebacker

  • 17 Amare Campbell – freshman (6'0, 230)
  • 23 Power Echols – junior (6'0, 225)
  • 30 Michael Short – freshman (6'3, 225)
  • 32 Sebastian Cheeks – freshman (6'3, 220)
  • 33 Cedric Graysenior (6'2, 230)
  • 34 Caleb LaVallee – freshman (6'0, 225)
  • 36 Jalen Brooks – junior (5'10, 240)
  • 44 Randy "Deuce" Caldwell – sophomore (6'0, 230)
  • 45 Jake Harkleroad – graduate (5'10, 215)
  • 47 CJ Murphy – freshman (6'1, 220)
  • 48 Milad Aghaiepour – sophomore (5'10, 225)
  • 52 Jonny Fritz – freshman (6'1, 190)
  • 53 Gibson Macrae – sophomore (5'11, 220)
  • 55 Cade Law – freshman (6'1, 225)

Defensive back

  • 1 Antavious "Stick" Lane – graduate (5'9, 190)
  • 2 Don Chapman – senior (6'1, 200)
  • 6 Lejond Cavazos – junior (6'0, 200)
  • 7 Derrik Allen – graduate (6'1, 210)
  • 9 Armani Chatman – graduate (6'0, 205)
  • 11 Ty Adams – freshman (5'11, 175)
  • 13 Ayden Duncanson – freshman (6'0, 185)
  • 15 Tre Miller – freshman (5'10, 175)
  • 16 DeAndre Boykins – junior (5'11, 205)
  • 18 Christopher Holliday – junior (6'4, 220)
  • 20 Tayon Holloway – freshman (6'0, 185)
  • 21 Kaleb Cost – freshman (5'10, 190)
  • 26 D.J. Jones – graduate (5'10, 200)
  • 27 Giovanni Biggers – graduate (6'1, 200)
  • 28 Alijah Huzziejunior (5'10, 200)
  • 29 Marcus Allen – sophomore (6'1, 200)
  • 31 Will Hardy – sophomore (6'2, 215)
  • 35 Jaden Selby – freshman (6'0, 190)'
  • 37 Jack Blythe – freshman (6'2, 190)
  • 38 Naari Short – junior (5'8, 185)
  • 39 Major Byrd – freshman (5'9, 200)

Long snappers

  • 43 Garrett Jordan – freshman (6'0, 225)
  • 61 Drew Little – graduate (5'11, 245)
  • 62 Spencer Triplett – junior (6'2, 235)

* North Carolina Tar Heels Football Roster as of 9/5/2023[13]

Schedule

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The 2023 ACC conference football schedule was released on January 30, 2023.[14][15] The 2023 season will be the conference's first season under a new single-division format. The 3-5-5 model gives each team three set conference opponents to play every season, while playing the remaining ten teams twice (once at home and once on the road) in a four–year cycle. The Tar Heels' non-rotating opponents are all traditional rivalries: Duke, NC State, and Virginia.[16][17]

DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
September 27:30 p.m.vs. South Carolina*No. 21ABCW 31–1768,723
September 95:15 p.m.Appalachian State*No. 17ACCNW 40–34 2OT50,500
September 163:30 p.m.Minnesota*No. 20
  • Kenan Memorial Stadium
  • Chapel Hill, NC
ESPNW 31–1350,500
September 238:00 p.m.at PittsburghNo. 17ACCNW 41–2448,544
October 73:30 p.m.SyracuseNo. 14
  • Kenan Memorial Stadium
  • Chapel Hill, NC
ESPNW 40–750,500
October 147:30 p.m.No. 25 Miami (FL)No. 12
  • Kenan Memorial Stadium
  • Chapel Hill, NC
ABCW 41–3150,500
October 216:30 p.m.VirginiaNo. 10
The CWL 27–3150,500
October 288:00 p.m.at Georgia TechNo. 17ACCNL 42–4635,945
November 412:00 p.m.Campbell*
  • Kenan Memorial Stadium
  • Chapel Hill, NC
ACCNW 59–747,667
November 118:00 p.m.Duke No. 24
ACCNW 47–45 2OT50,500
November 183:30 p.m.at ClemsonNo. 20ESPNL 20–3181,305
November 258:00 p.m.at No. 22 NC StateACCNL 20–3956,919
December 275:30 p.m.vs. West Virginia*
ESPNL 10–3042,925

[18]

Game summaries

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vs. South Carolina (Duke's Mayo Classic, rivalry)

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Game One – No. 21 North Carolina Tar Heels (0-0) vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (0-0) – Game summary
Period1234Total
No. 21 North Carolina71014031
South Carolina770317

at Bank of America StadiumCharlotte, North Carolina

  • Date: Saturday, September 2, 2023
  • Game time: 7:44 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Clear • 85 °F (29 °C) • Wind: NE 3 MPH
  • Game attendance: 68,723
  • Referee: Jeff Heaser
  • TV announcers (ABC): Sean McDonough (play-by-play), Greg McElroy (color), Molly McGrath (sideline)
Game information
First quarter
  • (9:50) UNC – Omarion Hampton 1-yard run (Ryan Coe kick) (Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 3:55; North Carolina 7-0)
  • (6:29) SC – Dakereon Joyner 4-yard run (Mitch Jeter kick) (Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:21; Tied 7-7)
Second quarter
  • (7:05) UNC – Ryan Coe 37-yard field goal (Drive: 13 plays, 42 yards, 6:20; North Carolina 10-7)
  • (5:16) SC – Juju McDowell 1-yard run (Mitch Jeter kick) (Drive: 5 plays, 72 yards, 1:49; South Carolina 14-10)
  • (2:50) UNC – Kobe Paysour 34-yard pass from Drake Maye (Ryan Coe kick) (Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:26; North Carolina 17-14)
Third quarter
  • (11:35) UNC – Omarion Hampton 1-yard run (Ryan Coe kick) (Drive: 6 plays, 53 yards, 2:43; North Carolina 24-14)
  • (6:29) UNC – John Copenhaver 18-yard pass from Drake Maye (Ryan Coe kick) (Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 3:25; North Carolina 31-14)
Fourth quarter
  • (12:19) SC – Mitch Jeter 26-yard field goal (Drive: 12 plays, 61 yards, 4:55; North Carolina 31-17)
StatisticsUNCSC
First downs2120
Total yards71–43770–351
Rushing yards39–16831– -2
Passing yards269353
Passing: Comp–Att–Int24–32–230–39–0
Time of possession32:3727:23
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
North CarolinaPassingDrake Maye24/32, 269 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
RushingBritish Brooks15 carries, 103 yards
ReceivingKobe Paysour7 receptions, 66 yards, TD
South CarolinaPassingSpencer Rattler30/39, 353 yards
RushingDakereon Joyner12 carries, 23 yards, TD
ReceivingXavier Legette9 receptions, 178 yards

Appalachian State

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Appalachian State vs. No. 17 North Carolina
1234OT2OTTotal
Mountaineers0107107034
No. 17 Tar Heels0101077640
        


Pregame lineOver/under
UNC -1858
StatisticsAppUNC
First downs3027
Plays–yards87–49475–527
Rushes–yards44–21945–319
Passing yards275208
Passing: comp–att–int22–43–121–30
Time of possession33:2926:21
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
AppPassingJoey Aguilar22/43, 275 yards, 2 TD, INT
RushingNate Noel26 carries, 127 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingDashaun Davis7 receptions, 117 yards, TD
UNCPassingDrake Maye21/30, 208 yards
RushingOmarion Hampton26 carries, 234 yards, 3 TD
ReceivingJ.J. Jones5 receptions, 91 yards

Minnesota

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Minnesota vs. No 20 North Carolina
1234Total
Golden Gophers0103013
No. 20 Tar Heels7143731
  • Date: September 16, 2023
  • Location: Kenan Memorial Stadium
    Chapel Hill, NC
  • Game start: 3:35 p.m. EDT
  • Elapsed time: 3 hours 12 minutes
  • Game attendance: 50,500
  • Game weather: Sunny • 85 °F (29 °C) • Wind: W 4 MPH
  • Referee: Riley Johnson
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Beth Mowins (play-by-play), Kirk Morrison (analyst), Stormy Buonantony (sideline)
    


Pregame lineOver/under
UNC -7.551
StatisticsMINUNC
First downs1926
Plays–yards61–30377–519
Rushes–yards31–17037–105
Passing yards133414
Passing: comp–att–int11–30–229–40–2
Time of possession26:5033:10
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
MINPassingAthan Kaliakmanis11/29, 133 yards, INT
RushingDarius Taylor22 carries, 138 yards, TD
ReceivingCorey Crooms4 receptions, 46 yards
UNCPassingDrake Maye29/40, 414 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
RushingOmarion Hampton13 carries, 46 yards, TD
ReceivingNate McCollum15 receptions, 165 yards, TD

at Pittsburgh

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No. 17 North Carolina vs. Pittsburgh
1234Total
No. 17 Tar Heels72113041
Panthers7107024
  • Date: September 23, 2023
  • Location: Acrisure Stadium
    Pittsburgh, PA
  • Game start: 8:05 p.m. EDT
  • Elapsed time: 3 hours, 27 minutes
  • Game attendance: 48,544
  • Game weather: Rainy • 57 °F (14 °C) • Wind: NW 9 MPH
  • Referee: Stuart Mullins
  • TV announcers (ACCN): Wes Durham (play-by-play), Tim Hasselbeck (analyst), Taylor Tannenbaum (sideline)
        


Pregame lineOver/under
UNC -7.550.5
StatisticsUNCPITT
First downs2218
Plays–yards69–37360–304
Rushes–yards39–7727–110
Passing yards296196
Passing: comp–att–int22–30–018–33–2
Time of possession31:0728:53
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UNCPassingDrake Maye22/30, 296 yards, TD
RushingOmarion Hampton18 carries, 66 yards, TD
ReceivingJ.J. Jones6 receptions, 117 yards
PITTPassingPhil Jurkovec11/15, 109 yards
RushingRodney Hammond Jr.14 carries, 83 yards, TD
ReceivingKonata Mumpfield8 receptions, 90 yards

Syracuse

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Syracuse vs. No. 14 North Carolina
1234Total
Orange00707
• No. 14 Tar Heels101710340
  • Date: October 7, 2023
  • Location: Kenan Memorial Stadium • Chapel Hill, NC
  • Game start: 3:36 p.m. EDT
  • Elapsed time: 3 hours, 3 minutes
  • Game attendance: 50,500
  • Game weather: Sunny • 71 °F (22 °C) • Wind: NW 15 MPH
  • Referee: Marcus Woods
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Dusty Dvoracek (analyst), Tom Luginbill (analyst)
     


Pregame lineOver/under
UNC -9.559.5
StatisticsSUUNC
First downs1133
Plays–yards51–22197–644
Rushes–yards28–9248–202
Passing yards129442
Passing: comp–att–int16–23–233–49–0
Time of possession22:4437:16
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
SUPassingGarrett Shrader15/21, 124 yards, INT
RushingLeQuint Allen11 carries, 38 yards, TD
ReceivingUmari Hatcher6 receptions, 85 yards
UNCPassingDrake Maye33/47, 442 yards, 3 TD
RushingOmarion Hampton15 carries, 78 yards
ReceivingNate McCollum7 receptions, 135 yards

Miami (FL)

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No. 25 Miami vs. No. 12 North Carolina
1234Total
No. 25 Hurricanes01701431
No. 12 Tar Heels7721641
  • Date: October 14, 2023
  • Location: Kenan Memorial Stadium • Chapel Hill, NC
  • Game start: 7:49 p.m. EDT
  • TV announcers (ABC): Sean McDonough (play-by-play), Greg McElroy (analyst), Molly McGrath (sideline)
        


Pregame lineOver/under
UNC -3.556.5
StatisticsUMUNC
First downs2824
Plays–yards76–48276–508
Rushes–yards27–9143–235
Passing yards391273
Passing: comp–att–int31–49–217–33–0
Time of possession30:0429:56
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UMPassingTyler Van Dyke31/48, 391 yards, 4 TD
RushingHenry Parrish Jr.13 carries, 73 yards, TD
ReceivingXavier Restrepo11 receptions, 96 yards, 2 TD
UNCPassingDrake Maye17/33, 273 yards, 4 TD
RushingOmarion Hampton24 carries, 197 yards, TD
ReceivingTez Walker6 receptions, 132 yards, 3 TD
Virginia vs. No. 10 North Carolina
1234Total
Cavaliers14010731
No. 10 Tar Heels7107327
  • Date: October 21, 2023
  • Location: Kenan Memorial Stadium • Chapel Hill, NC
  • Game start: 6:37 p.m. EDT
  • Elapsed time: 3 hours, 21 minutes
  • Game attendance: 50,500
  • Game weather: Clear • 63 °F (17 °C) • Wind: W 6 MPH
  • Referee: Riley Johnson
  • TV announcers (The CW): Tom Werme (play-by-play), James Bates (analyst), Treavor Scales (sideline)
      


Pregame lineOver/under
UNC -23.556.5
StatisticsUVAUNC
First downs2626
Plays–yards84–43677–490
Rushes–yards54–22829–143
Passing yards208347
Passing: comp–att–int20–30–124–48–1
Time of possession37:0622:54
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UVAPassingTony Muskett20/30, 208 yards, TD, INT
RushingPerris Jones14 carries, 67 yards
ReceivingMalik Washington12 receptions, 115 yards, TD
UNCPassingDrake Maye24/48, 347 yards, 2 TD, INT
RushingOmarion Hampton19 carries, 112 yards
ReceivingTez Walker11 receptions, 146 yards, TD

at Georgia Tech

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No. 17 North Carolina vs. Georgia Tech
1234Total
No. 17 Tar Heels14147742
Yellow Jackets02202446
  • Date: October 28, 2023
  • Location: Bobby Dodd StadiumAtlanta, GA
  • Game start: 8:06 p.m. EDT
  • Elapsed time: 3 hours, 26 minutes
  • Game attendance: 35,945
  • Game weather: Sunny • 71 °F (22 °C) • Wind: SE 4 MPH
  • Referee: Mike Roache
  • TV announcers (ACCN): Wes Durham (play-by-play), Tim Hasselbeck (analyst), Taylor Tannenbaum (sideline)
         


Pregame lineOver/under
UNC -11.564.5
StatisticsUNCGT
First downs2529
Plays–yards72–57778–639
Rushes–yards47–26748–348
Passing yards310287
Passing: comp–att–int17–25–023–30–1
Time of possession32:0427:56
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UNCPassingDrake Maye17/25, 310 yards, 2 TD
RushingOmarion Hampton29 carries, 153 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingBryson Nesbit3 receptions, 89 yards, TD
GTPassingHaynes King23/30, 287 yards, 4 TD
RushingDontae Smith22 carries, 178 yards, TD
ReceivingEric Singleton, Jr.8 receptions, 117 yards, TD

Campbell

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Campbell vs. North Carolina
1234Total
Fighting Camels70007
Tar Heels721171459
  • Date: November 4, 2023
  • Location: Kenan Memorial Stadium • Chapel Hill, NC
  • Game start: 12:03 p.m. EDT
  • Elapsed time: 3 hours, 13 minutes
  • Game attendance: 47,667
  • Game weather: Sunny • 62 °F (17 °C) • Wind: N 4 MPH
  • Referee: Gary Patterson
  • TV announcers (ACCN): Jorge Sedano (play-by-play), Orlando Franklin (analyst), Marilyn Payne (sideline)
      


Pregame lineOver/under
UNC -38.567.5
StatisticsCUUNC
First downs2026
Plays–yards79–28761–594
Rushes–yards42–10233–276
Passing yards185318
Passing: comp–att–int25–37–121–28–0
Time of possession38:2621:34
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
CUPassingHajj-Malik Williams25/37, 185 yards, INT
RushingHajj-Malik Williams11 carries, 51 yards
ReceivingEzeriah Anderson9 receptions, 102 yards
UNCPassingDrake Maye16/23, 244 yards, 4 TD
RushingOmarion Hampton15 carries, 144 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingBryson Nesbit6 receptions, 78 yards
Duke vs. No. 24 North Carolina
1234OT2OTTotal
Blue Devils0140223645
No. 24 Tar Heels1063173847
  • Date: November 11, 2023
  • Location: Kenan Memorial Stadium • Chapel Hill, NC
  • Game start: 8:06 p.m. EST
  • Elapsed time: 3 hours, 45 minutes
  • Game attendance: 50,500
  • Game weather: Cloudy • 51 °F (11 °C) • Wind E 3 MPH
  • Referee: Jeff Flanagan
  • TV announcers (ACCN): Wes Durham (play-by-play), Tim Hasselbeck (analyst), Taylor Tannenbaum (sideline)
           


Pregame lineOver/under
UNC -10.553.5
StatisticsDukeUNC
First downs2230
Plays–yards72–37987–537
Rushes–yards43–17944–195
Passing yards200342
Passing: comp–att–int17–29–028–43–1
Time of possession31:2428:36
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
DukePassingGrayson Loftis16/28, 189 yards, 3 TD
RushingJordan Waters20 carries, 113 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingJordan Moore6 receptions, 88 yards, 3 TD
UNCPassingDrake Maye28/43, 342, TD, INT
RushingOmarion Hampton31 carries, 169 yards, TD
ReceivingTez Walker7 receptions, 162 yards

at Clemson

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North Carolina vs. Clemson
1234Total
No. 20 Tar Heels707620
Tigers01414331
    


Pregame lineOver/under
CLEM -8.559.5
StatisticsUNCCLEM
First downs1925
Plays–yards69–45789–466
Rushes–yards32–24855–247
Passing yards209219
Passing: comp–att–int16–37–121–34–0
Time of possession21:49
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UNCPassingDrake Maye16/36, 209 yards, TD, INT
RushingOmarion Hampton19 carries, 178 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingTez Walker4 receptions, 70 yards
CLEMPassingCade Klubnik21/32, 219 yards, TD
RushingWill Shipley18 carries, 126 yards, TD
ReceivingAdam Randall2 receptions, 57 yards

at NC State (Rivalry)

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North Carolina vs. NC State
1234Total
Tar Heels0713020
No. 22 Wolfpack62013039
  • Date: November 25, 2023
  • Location: Carter-Finley StadiumRaleigh, NC
  • Game start: 8:07 p.m. EST
  • Elapsed time: 3 hours, 22 minutes
  • Game attendance: 56,919
  • Game weather: Clear • 39 °F (4 °C) • Wind: NE 3 MPH
  • Referee: Adam Savoie
  • TV announcers (ACCN): Wes Durham (play-by-play), Tim Hasselbeck (analyst), Taylor Tannenbaum (sideline)
        


Pregame lineOver/under
UNC -2.555.5
StatisticsUNCNCSU
First downs2125
Plays–yards59–38474–504
Rushes–yards21–13043–170
Passing yards254334
Passing: comp–att–int22–38–222–31–0
Time of possession19:5440:00
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UNCPassingDrake Maye22/38, 254, 2 TD, 2 INT
RushingDrake Maye9 carries, 106 yards, TD
ReceivingJohn Copenhaver5 receptions, 64 yards, TD
NCSUPassingBrennan Armstrong22/31, 334 yards, 3 TD
RushingKC Concepcion11 carries, 55 yards
ReceivingKC Concepcion7 receptions, 131 yards, 2 TD

vs. West Virginia (Duke's Mayo Bowl)

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North Carolina vs. West Virginia
1234Total
Tar Heels0100010
Mountaineers71031030
  • Date: December 27, 2023
  • Location: Bank of America Stadium • Charlotte, NC
  • Game start: 5:36 P.M. EST
  • Elapsed time: 3 hours, 13 minutes
  • Game attendance: 42,925
  • Game weather: Cloudy • 59 °F (15 °C) • Wind: SE 3 MPH
  • Referee: Jerry McGinn (Big Ten)
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Matt Barrie (play-by-play), Dan Mullen (analyst), Harry Lyles Jr. (sideline)
    


Pregame lineOver/under
WVU -5.560.5
StatisticsUNCWVU
First downs2016
Plays–yards68–33953–392
Rushes–yards41–14030–164
Passing yards199228
Passing: comp–att–int18–27–212–23–0
Time of possession34:3925:21
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UNCPassingConner Harrell18/27, 199 yards, TD, 2 INT
RushingOmarion Hampton19 carries, 62 yards
ReceivingGavin Blackwell3 receptions, 78 yards
WVUPassingGarrett Greene12/23, 228 yards, TD
RushingGarrett Greene9 carries, 64 yards
ReceivingTraylon Ray3 receptions, 91 yards, TD

Rankings

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Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked RV = Received votes
Week
PollPre1234567891011121314Final
AP211720171514121017RV2422RVRV
Coaches201618171513121017252320RV
CFPNot released2420Not released

After the season

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All-Conference Selections

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Source:[19]

1st team

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2nd team

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3rd team

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  • Willie Lampkin (OL)
  • Tez Walker (WR)
  • Power Echols (LB)

Honorable Mention

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  • Spencer Rolland (OL)
  • Corey Gaynor (OL)
  • Myles Murphy (DT)
  • Alijah Huzzie (DB)

All-America Selections

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  • Omarion Hampton (1st Team, WCFF; 2nd team CBS Sports, AP)

Departures

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Transfer Portal Entries

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The following members of the 2023 Tar Heel football team entered the transfer portal in the postseason window.[20]

NameNo.Pos.HeightWeightHometownYearNew school
Kedrick Bingley-Jones41DL6'4"305Concord, NCJuniorMississippi State
Jefferson Boaz14QB6'7"235Pilot Mountain, NCJuniorStephen F. Austin
Jalen Brooks36LB5'10"240Knightdale, NCJuniorCampbell
Deuce Caldwell44LB6'0"230Mauldin, SCSophomoreTBD
Chance Carroll54OL6'2"295Mooresville, NCJuniorTBD
Tychaun Chapman0WR5'9"175Virginia Beach, VAR-Fr.Marshall
Sebastian Cheeks32LB6'2"230Skokie, ILR-Fr.Wisconsin
Ryan Coe40PK6'2"225McDonald, PAGraduateCal
Elijah Green21RB5'11"210Roswell, GAJuniorIndiana
Andre Greene Jr.1WR6'2"200Richmond, VAR-Fr.Virginia
Tayon Holloway20DB6'0"185Virginia Beach, VAR-Fr.Louisville
D.J. Jones26DB/RB5'10"200Fayetteville, NCGraduateTBD
Justin Kanyuk74OL6'6"315Lehigh Valley, PAR-Fr.Georgia Southern
Cole Maynard92P6'1"180Mooresville, NCSophomoreTBD
Kamari Morales88TE6'2"245Buck Lake, FLGraduateBoston College
George Pettaway23RB5'10"195Suffolk, VASophomoreJames Madison
Diego Pounds61OL6'5"330Raleigh, NCSophomoreOle Miss

NFL draft entries

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The following Tar Heel players announced plans to enter the 2024 NFL draft and forgo any remaining collegiate eligibility.

NameNo.Pos.HeightWeightHometownYear
Amari Gainer3LB6'3"235Tallahassee, FLGraduate
Corey Gaynor65OL6'3"305Parkland, FLGraduate
Cedric Gray33LB6'2"235Charlotte, NCSenior
Drake Maye10QB6'4"230Huntersville, NCSophomore
Myles Murphy8DL6'4"310Greensboro, NCSenior
Spencer Rolland75OL6'6"315Burnsville, MNGraduate
Tez Walker9WR6'2"200Charlotte, NCJunior

Coaching Changes

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Following continued defensive struggles under DC Gene Chizik in the 2023 season, both he and defensive line coach Tim Cross were dismissed after the team's bowl game. Senior Defensive Analyst Ted Monachino was elevated to the defensive line coaching position the same day Cross and Chizik's departures were announced.[21]

Former Georgia Tech head coach Geoff Collins was hired to replace Chizik as defensive coordinator for the 2024 season.[22]

Senior advisor Darrell Moody retired after the season, and was replaced by former Tar Heel and NFL linebacker Brian Simmons in a similar advisory role to head coach Mack Brown.[23] Brown's other senior advisor, Sparky Woods also left the staff in late January.[24]

References

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  1. ^ Samuels, Doug (December 7, 2022). "Phil Longo to be Luke Fickell's offensive coordinator at Wisconsin". FootballScoop.com. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  2. ^ "Carolina Football Names Randy Clements Offensive Line Coach". GoHeels.com. December 14, 2022. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  3. ^ "Chip Lindsey Hired As Offensive Coordinator". GoHeels.com. December 15, 2022. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
  4. ^ Hale, David M. (January 11, 2023). "Ex-UNC football star Dre Bly out as Tar Heels' CB coach". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
  5. ^ "Carolina Football Names Jason Jones Cornerbacks Coach". GoHeels.com. January 23, 2023. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
  6. ^ Stone, Augusta (February 23, 2023). "Panthers add John Lilly to coaching staff". panthers.com. Carolina Panthers. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  7. ^ Martin, Ross (February 27, 2023). "UNC to Hire Freddie Kitchens as New Tight End Coach". InsideCarolina.com. 247 Sports. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
  8. ^ Smith, Adam (March 1, 2023). "NFL Coaching Veteran Clyde Christensen Joining UNC Staff as Analyst". InsideCarolina.com. 247 Sports. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  9. ^ Smith, Adam (March 7, 2023). "UNC Adding Ted Monachino from NFL Ranks to Improve Pass Rush". InsideCarolina.com. 247 Sports. Retrieved March 9, 2023.
  10. ^ a b Martin, Ross (January 19, 2023). "UNC Transfer Portal Tracker: Who's Coming? Who's Going?". InsideCarolina.com. 247Sports. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  11. ^ "North Carolina 2023 Football Commits". 247 Sports. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
  12. ^ "Football Coaches". University of North Carolina Athletics.
  13. ^ "2023 Football Roster". goheels.com. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  14. ^ "UNC football 2023 ACC schedule, opponents announced". The News & Observer. January 30, 2023. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  15. ^ Bergin, Mark (January 30, 2023). "Here are the 2023 football schedules for NC State, North Carolina and Duke". WRAL. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  16. ^ "ACC Announces Football Schedule Model for 2023–26" (Press release). Atlantic Coast Conference. June 28, 2022. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  17. ^ Murphy, Brian (June 28, 2022). "ACC eliminates football divisions, adopts new schedule model in 2023". WRAL. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  18. ^ "2023 North Carolina Football Schedule". FBSchedules.com.
  19. ^ "Atlantic Coast Conference Announces 2023 All-ACC Football Teams". Atlantic Coast Conference. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  20. ^ Smith, Adam. "Tracker: UNC Football Players Entering Transfer Portal". InsideCarolina.com. 247 Sports. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  21. ^ Barnett, Zach (January 3, 2023). "Mack Brown announces major staff changes at North Carolina". footballscoop.com. Retrieved January 3, 2023.
  22. ^ "Geoff Collins Hired As Defensive Coordinator". University of North Carolina Athletics. January 5, 2024. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  23. ^ "UNC Legend Brian Simmons Joins Football Staff". GoHeels.com. University of North Carolina Athletics. January 30, 2024. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
  24. ^ Smith, Adam (January 30, 2024). "Sparky Woods Leacing UNC Football Staff". InsideCarolina.com. 247 Sports. Retrieved February 1, 2024.