Projecting UNC’s Football Week 1 Depth Chart: Risers and Fallers

Without a doubt, this is a monumental season for the North Carolina Tar Heels football program, which is looking to bounce back from an embarrassing 2025 campaign.

Yesterday, we projected the Tar Heels’ starting lineup heading into the 2026-27 college football season. Today, we are going to take a deeper look and give our projections for the entire depth chart. Let's get started.

Quarterback

QB1: Billy Edwards Jr., QB2: Miles O'Neill, QB3: Travis Burgess, QB4: Au'Tori Newkirk

This is pretty straightforward and no surprises. Edwards Jr. was named the starter earlier this week. At one point, it appeared that O'Neill had the inside track to winning the job. Nevertheless, he will presumably be the backup quarterback, while Burgess should be the third-string based on talent alone.

Running Back

RB1: Demon June, RB2: Benjamin Hall, RB3: Kaleb Jackson, RB4: Jaylen McGill

June should lead this backfield in touches and opportunities in 2026, as the sophomore running back was incredibly efficient last season, averaging 5.5 yards per carry. Hall is also a returning player and will mix in carries. Meanwhile, Jackson and McGill will serve as depth pieces.

Overall, it's a deep running back room, with all four players capable of producing at some point this season.

Wide Receiver

WR1: Jordan Shipp, WR2: Mason Humphrey, WR3: Trech Kekahuna, WR4: Carnell Warren, WR5: CJ Sadler

North Carolina's wide receiver room looks completely different from last season. Shipp remains the top pass-catching option, but the Tar Heels' front office surrounded the veteran receiver with formidable weapons. Humphrey is the player to watch in this group, as he has been a standout during the offseason programs.

Tight End

TE1: Jaxxon Warren, TE2: Jelani Thurman, TE3: Jordan Washington, TE4: Shamar Easter

The coaching staff has heralded this group as one of the deepest positions on the roster. There's a wide range of skill sets in this room, but Warren is clearly the most talented tight end on the depth chart. Thurman and Washington are natural blockers, but their pass-catching abilities are limited.

Left Tackle

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

LT1: Jordan Hall, LT2: Eidan Buchanan

There's not much discussion about this one. The Tar Heels need a surefire option at left tackle, and Hall is just that. Buchanan is an excellent depth piece.

Left Guard

Sep 13, 2019; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; A North Carolina Tar Heels helmet lays on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports

LG1: Aidan Banfield, LG2: Jonah Rodriguez, LG3: Trey Blue

Banfield has spent the last two seasons in Chapel Hill, and that experience will be a major factor in his earning the starting job. Rodriguez was brought in this offseason through the transfer portal, and this is his fourth program in as many years.

Center

Dec 28, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; A North Carolina Tar Heels helmet lays on the field prior to the start of the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

C1: Christo Kelly

Kelly is the only offensive lineman on the roster who has logged snaps at center. He's also the only listed center on the depth chart, so hopefully he is healthy for the entire season.

Right Guard

Oct 4, 2014; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; The North Carolina Tar Heels wore camouflage helmets in honor of military appreciation day against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Kenan Memorial Stadium. The Virginia Tech Hokies won 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

RG1: Andrew Threatt, RG2: Rowan Byrne, RG3: Byron Nelson

Threatt was one of North Carolina's marquee signings this offseason, as the Charleston Southern transfer is versatile and can play multiple positions. Based on the best spots for the other offensive linemen, Threatt will slot in at right guard.

Right Tackle

Sep 2, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels helmets during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

RT1: Shaq McRoy, RT2: Brandon Homady

This roster is not deep at right tackle, which makes it an easy path for McRoy to earn the starting job. The Arkansas transfer is familiar with offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, so that will also play a role in his development.

Left Defensive End

Apr 26, 2025; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions offensive linesman Jim Fitzgerald (65) blocks defensive end Jaylen Harvey during the second quarter of the Blue White spring game at Beaver Stadium. The White team defeated the Blue team 10-8. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

LDE1: Jaylen Harvey, LDE2: Donovan Hoilette Jr.

This has been one of the most interesting camp battles to monitor. That being said, I think the coaching staff takes a shot on Harvey's elite ceiling and pairs him with Melkart Abou Jaoude on the other side of the line.

Nose Tackle

Oct 25, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive lineman Isaiah Johnson (94) sacks Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Chandler Morris (4) in the second quarer at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

NT1: Isaiah Johnson, NT2: Xavier Lewis

Bill Belichick will rely on established veterans this season, and Johnson is one of them, as he's entering his third year in Chapel Hill. The 6-foot-2, 320-pound nose tackle recorded 41 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks in 2025.

Defensive Tackle

Nov 8, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Stanford Cardinal quarterback Elijah Brown (2) looks to pass as North Carolina Tar Heels defensive lineman Leroy Jackson (91) defends in the first quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

DT1: Leroy Jackson, DT2: Tarvorise Brown

Defensive tackle is a virtual guarantee for the Tar Heels, with Jackson and Brown occupying the top two spots. Jackson is the most pivotal piece on the defensive line. If he can improve his production and impact, North Carolina's pass rush could elevate to another level.

Right Defensive End

Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive lineman Melkart Abou-Jaoude (9) sacks Richmond Spiders quarterback Kyle Wickersham (16) in the first quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

RDE1: Melkart Abou Jaoude, RDE2: Joseph Mupoyi, RDE3: David Jackson

Abou Jaoude established himself as one of the best pass rushers in the country, and hopefully he is available all season long. The depth behind him is ambiguous.

Linebacker

Starters: Peyton Seelmann and Derek McDonald, LB3: Jonathan Agumadu, LB4: Timir Hickman-Collins, LB5: Daniel Anderson, LB6: Jake Bauer, LB7: DQ Forkpa

Before you get overwhelmed by the number of names included in the linebacker room, the two most important ones are Seelmann and McDonald. Barring injury, both those players should command the majority of the snaps.

Left Cornerback

Nov 22, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils wide receiver Sahmir Hagans (2) is tackled after a catch by North Carolina Tar Heels defensive back Jaiden Patterson (18) during the second half at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

LCB1: Jaiden Patterson, LCB2: Jalon Thompson, LCB3: Kenton Dopson III

Patterson is a proven leader on this defense and will be starting no matter what. Now, I have Thompson listed as the second string, but Dopson III could easily supplant him on the depth chart. That is something to keep tabs on as the season progresses.

Strong Safety

Sep 6, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive back Greg Smith (12) celebrates his interception with teammates during the second half against the Charlotte 49ers at Jerry Richardson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

SS1: Greg Smith, SS2: Javion Butts

This one's also not complicated. Smith has produced over three seasons as a Tar Heel in multiple positions. Meanwhile, Butts is a redshirt freshman. Belichick and the coaching staff have praised Smith throughout training camp, highlighting his ability to lead and perform.

Free Safety

Oct 25, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive back Coleman Bryson (16) and linebacker Mikai Gbayor (4) react in the fourth quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

FS1: Coleman Bryson, FS2: Jakob Weatherspoon, FS3: Peyton Waters

Bryson has been a stabilizer on the back end of the defense, and once again, that's what Belichick values. Now, Weatherspoon could be elevated to the second-string free safety, as he is an all-around defensive back.

Right Cornerback

Sep 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans running back Eli Sanders (1) runs the ball ahead of Michigan State Spartans defensive back Ade Willie (6) during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

RCB1: Ade Willie, RCB2: Reggie Love II, RCB3: Jaziel Hart

Willie is the clear starter in this group, and it's not particularly close. The Michigan State transfer is solid against the pass and elite against the run.

Nickel Cornerback

Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive back Kaleb Cost (21) runs as Richmond Spiders wide receiver Ja'Vion Griffin (5) defends in the second quarter at Kenan Stadium. The play was later called back due to a penalty. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

NCB1: Kaleb Cost, NCB2: Tre Miller

Cost and Miller are fascinating players to watch in 2026. Over the last two seasons, Cost has produced solid numbers, compiling 109 total tackles, nine passes defensed, 4.5 tackles for loss, and three interceptions, including a pick-six. Meanwhile, Miller has caught the coaching staff's attention in recent weeks.

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