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)
Offensive schemeAir raid
Defensive coordinatorGene Chizik (4th season)
Co-defensive coordinatorCharlton Warren (2nd season)
Co-defensive coordinatorTommy Thigpen (5th season)
Base defense4–2–5 or 4–3
Home stadiumKenan Memorial Stadium
Seasons
← 2022
2024 →
2023 Atlantic Coast Conference football standings
Conf Overall
Team   W   L     W   L  
No. 6 Florida State y$   8 0     13 1  
No. 19 Louisville y   7 1     10 4  
No. 21 NC State   6 2     9 4  
Georgia Tech   5 3     7 6  
Virginia Tech   5 3     7 6  
North Carolina   4 4     8 5  
No. 20 Clemson   4 4     9 4  
Duke   4 4     8 5  
Miami (FL)   3 5     7 6  
Boston College   3 5     7 6  
Syracuse   2 6     6 7  
Virginia   2 6     3 9  
Pittsburgh   2 6     3 9  
Wake Forest   1 7     4 8  
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.

Round Pick Player Position NFL Team
3 79 Josh Downs WR Indianapolis Colts
5 169 Asim Richards OL Dallas Cowboys
7 219 Antoine Green WR Detroit Lions
7 227 Raymond Vohasek DL Jacksonville 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]

Name No. Pos. Height Weight Hometown Year New school
Dontae Balfour 14 DB 6'1" 180 Starke, FL   Freshman Charlotte
Tymir Brown 28 DB 6'0" 180 Jacksonville, NC   Freshman ECU
Chris Collins 17 DL 6'4" 245 Richmond, VA Graduate Minnesota
Ja'Qurious Conley‡ 0 DB 6'1" 215 Jacksonville, NC Junior «»
Jacolby Criswell 6 QB 6'1" 225 Morrilton, AR Sophomore Arkansas
Raneiria "RaRa" Dillworth 11 LB 6'1" 200 Winston-Salem, NC Sophomore ECU
Storm Duck 3 DB 6'0" 200 Boiling Springs, SC Senior Louisville
Tony Grimes 1 DB 6'0" 195 Virginia Beach, VA Junior Texas A&M
Ladaeson Deandre Hollins‡ 15 DB 6'1" 200 Tampa, FL Graduate Charlotte
Bryson Jennings‡ 19 DL 6'4" 245 Richmond, VA   Freshman Liberty
Kendall Karr 82 TE 6'3" 250 Belmont, NC Sophomore Coastal Carolina
Cam'Ron Kelly 9 DB 6'1" 210 Chesapeake, VA Senior Louisville
Jonathan Kim 95 PK 6'0" 210 Fredericksburg, VA Senior Michigan State
Dontavius Nash 21 DB 6'2" 180 Gastonia, NC   Freshman ECU
Justin Olson 83 WR 6'2" 200 Huntersville, NC Junior MTSU
Keeshawn Silver 55 DL 6'5" 315 Rocky Mount, NC   Freshman Kentucky
Gabe Stephens‡ 34 DL 6'3" 220 Mount Holly, NC   Sophomore Eastern Kentucky
Jahlil Taylor 52 DL 6'0" 295 Vienna, GA Senior ODU

‡ 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]

Name No. Pos. Height Weight Hometown Year Previous school
Derrik Allen 7 DB 6'2" 211 Marietta, GA Graduate Georgia Tech
Armani Chatman 9 DB 6'0" 180 Virginia Beach, VA Graduate Virginia Tech
Ryan Coe 40 K 6'3" 225 McDonald, PA Graduate Cincinnati
Amari Gainer 3 Jack 6'3" 237 Tallahassee, FL Graduate Florida State
Alijah Huzzie 28 DB 5'11" 190 Franklin, GA Junior ETSU
Willie Lampkin 53 OL 6'0" 275 Lakeland, FL Senior Coastal Carolina
Antavious "Stick" Lane 1 DB 5'9" 180 West Palm Beach, FL Graduate Georgia State
Tom Maginness 96 P 6'0" 220 Melbourne, Australia Sophomore ProKick Australia
Nate McCollum 6 WR 5'11" 185 Hampton, GA Senior Georgia Tech
Devontez Walker 9 WR 6'3" 190 Charlotte, NC Junior Kent 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
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight Commit date
Tad Hudson
QB
Cornelius, NC Hough 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 225 lb (102 kg) Aug 1, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 83
Jaybron Harvey
EDGE
Durham, NC Southern Durham 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 215 lb (98 kg) Jul 1, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 82
Joel Starlings
DL
Richmond, VA Benedictine 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 310 lb (140 kg) May 23, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 82
Chris Culliver
WR
Maiden, NC Maiden 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 190 lb (86 kg) Jul 4, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 81
Christian Hamilton
WR
Harrisburg, NC Hickory Ridge 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 175 lb (79 kg) Jul 1, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 80
Nolan McConnell
OL
Stafford, VA Colonial Forge 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 260 lb (120 kg) May 3, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 79
Tyler Thompson
EDGE
Cary, NC Panther Creek 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 205 lb (93 kg) Jun 29, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 79
Caleb LaVallee
LB
Mableton, GA Whitefield Academy 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 215 lb (98 kg) Jun 6, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 78
Tre Miller
DB
Edmond, OK Deer Creek 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) 170 lb (77 kg) Jun 26, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 78
Rodney Lora
DL
Woodberry Forest, VA Woodberry Forest 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 275 lb (125 kg) Dec 20, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 78
D.J. Geth
OL
Roebuck, SC Dorman 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 300 lb (140 kg) Jun 25, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 77
Paul Billups
WR
Chesapeake, VA Western Branch 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 190 lb (86 kg) Aug 24, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 77
Jordan Louie
RB
Norcross, GA Meadowcreek 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 200 lb (91 kg) Dec 21, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 77
Amare Campbell
LB
Manassas, VA Unity Reed 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 230 lb (100 kg) Aug 24, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 76
Julien Randolph
TE
Ashburn, VA Independence 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 215 lb (98 kg) Jun 14, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 76
Kaleb Cost
DB
Tyrone, GA Sandy Creek 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) 180 lb (82 kg) Jun 11, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 76
Ayden Duncanson
DB
Mableton, GA Whitefield Academy 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 185 lb (84 kg) Oct 16, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 76
R.J. Grigsby
OL
Kennesaw, GA North Cobb 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 295 lb (134 kg) Jul 1, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 76
Ty Adams
DB
Swainsboro, GA Swainsboro 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 175 lb (79 kg) Sep 25, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 76
Michael Short
LB
Charlotte, NC Mallard Creek 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 220 lb (100 kg) Dec 15, 2022 
Recruiting star ratings: 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 Brown Head coach 15th
Chip Lindsey Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach 1st
Freddie Kitchens Run game coordinator/Tight ends coach 1st
Randy Clements Offensive line coach 1st
Lonnie Galloway Assistant head coach/Pass Game coordinator/Wide receivers 5th
Larry Porter Special Teams coordinator/Running backs 3rd
Gene Chizik AHC/Defensive Coordinator 4th
Charlton Warren Co-defensive coordinator/Defensive backs coach 2nd
Tommy Thigpen Co-defensive coordinator/Inside Linebackers coach 6th
Tim Cross Defensive line coach 5th
Jason Jones Cornerbacks coach 1st
Brian Hess Head strength and conditioning coach 5th
Sparky Woods Senior advisor to head coach 5th
Darrell Moody Senior advisor to head coach 5th
Clyde Christensen Volunteer Offensive Analyst 1st
Ted Monachino Senior Defensive Analyst 1st
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 Brooksgraduate (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 Paysoursophomore (6'0, 185)
  • 9 Devontez "Tez" Walkerjunior (6'2, 195)
  • 11 Paul Billups II – freshman (6'1, 195)
  • 13 Tylee Craftsenior (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 Lampkinjunior (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 Ritziejunior (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 Gainergraduate (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
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 21 North Carolina 7 10 14031
South Carolina 7 7 0317

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)
Statistics UNC SC
First downs 21 20
Total yards 71–437 70–351
Rushing yards 39–168 31– -2
Passing yards 269 353
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 24–32–2 30–39–0
Time of possession 32:37 27:23
Team Category Player Statistics
North Carolina Passing Drake Maye 24/32, 269 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Rushing British Brooks 15 carries, 103 yards
Receiving Kobe Paysour 7 receptions, 66 yards, TD
South Carolina Passing Spencer Rattler 30/39, 353 yards
Rushing Dakereon Joyner 12 carries, 23 yards, TD
Receiving Xavier Legette 9 receptions, 178 yards

Appalachian State

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Appalachian State vs. No. 17 North Carolina
1 234OT2OTTotal
Mountaineers 0 1071070 34
No. 17 Tar Heels 0 1010776 40
        


Pregame line Over/under
UNC -18 58
Statistics App UNC
First downs 30 27
Plays–yards 87–494 75–527
Rushes–yards 44–219 45–319
Passing yards 275 208
Passing: compattint 22–43–1 21–30
Time of possession 33:29 26:21
Team Category Player Statistics
App Passing Joey Aguilar 22/43, 275 yards, 2 TD, INT
Rushing Nate Noel 26 carries, 127 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Dashaun Davis 7 receptions, 117 yards, TD
UNC Passing Drake Maye 21/30, 208 yards
Rushing Omarion Hampton 26 carries, 234 yards, 3 TD
Receiving J.J. Jones 5 receptions, 91 yards

Minnesota

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Minnesota vs. No 20 North Carolina
1 234Total
Golden Gophers 0 1030 13
No. 20 Tar Heels 7 1437 31
  • 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 line Over/under
UNC -7.5 51
Statistics MIN UNC
First downs 19 26
Plays–yards 61–303 77–519
Rushes–yards 31–170 37–105
Passing yards 133 414
Passing: compattint 11–30–2 29–40–2
Time of possession 26:50 33:10
Team Category Player Statistics
MIN Passing Athan Kaliakmanis 11/29, 133 yards, INT
Rushing Darius Taylor 22 carries, 138 yards, TD
Receiving Corey Crooms 4 receptions, 46 yards
UNC Passing Drake Maye 29/40, 414 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Rushing Omarion Hampton 13 carries, 46 yards, TD
Receiving Nate McCollum 15 receptions, 165 yards, TD

at Pittsburgh

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No. 17 North Carolina vs. Pittsburgh
1 234Total
No. 17 Tar Heels 7 21130 41
Panthers 7 1070 24
  • 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 line Over/under
UNC -7.5 50.5
Statistics UNC PITT
First downs 22 18
Plays–yards 69–373 60–304
Rushes–yards 39–77 27–110
Passing yards 296 196
Passing: compattint 22–30–0 18–33–2
Time of possession 31:07 28:53
Team Category Player Statistics
UNC Passing Drake Maye 22/30, 296 yards, TD
Rushing Omarion Hampton 18 carries, 66 yards, TD
Receiving J.J. Jones 6 receptions, 117 yards
PITT Passing Phil Jurkovec 11/15, 109 yards
Rushing Rodney Hammond Jr. 14 carries, 83 yards, TD
Receiving Konata Mumpfield 8 receptions, 90 yards

Syracuse

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Syracuse vs. No. 14 North Carolina
1 234Total
Orange 0 070 7
• No. 14 Tar Heels 10 17103 40
  • 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 line Over/under
UNC -9.5 59.5
Statistics SU UNC
First downs 11 33
Plays–yards 51–221 97–644
Rushes–yards 28–92 48–202
Passing yards 129 442
Passing: compattint 16–23–2 33–49–0
Time of possession 22:44 37:16
Team Category Player Statistics
SU Passing Garrett Shrader 15/21, 124 yards, INT
Rushing LeQuint Allen 11 carries, 38 yards, TD
Receiving Umari Hatcher 6 receptions, 85 yards
UNC Passing Drake Maye 33/47, 442 yards, 3 TD
Rushing Omarion Hampton 15 carries, 78 yards
Receiving Nate McCollum 7 receptions, 135 yards

Miami (FL)

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No. 25 Miami vs. No. 12 North Carolina
1 234Total
No. 25 Hurricanes 0 17014 31
No. 12 Tar Heels 7 7216 41
  • 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 line Over/under
UNC -3.5 56.5
Statistics UM UNC
First downs 28 24
Plays–yards 76–482 76–508
Rushes–yards 27–91 43–235
Passing yards 391 273
Passing: compattint 31–49–2 17–33–0
Time of possession 30:04 29:56
Team Category Player Statistics
UM Passing Tyler Van Dyke 31/48, 391 yards, 4 TD
Rushing Henry Parrish Jr. 13 carries, 73 yards, TD
Receiving Xavier Restrepo 11 receptions, 96 yards, 2 TD
UNC Passing Drake Maye 17/33, 273 yards, 4 TD
Rushing Omarion Hampton 24 carries, 197 yards, TD
Receiving Tez Walker 6 receptions, 132 yards, 3 TD
Virginia vs. No. 10 North Carolina
1 234Total
Cavaliers 14 0107 31
No. 10 Tar Heels 7 1073 27
  • 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 line Over/under
UNC -23.5 56.5
Statistics UVA UNC
First downs 26 26
Plays–yards 84–436 77–490
Rushes–yards 54–228 29–143
Passing yards 208 347
Passing: compattint 20–30–1 24–48–1
Time of possession 37:06 22:54
Team Category Player Statistics
UVA Passing Tony Muskett 20/30, 208 yards, TD, INT
Rushing Perris Jones 14 carries, 67 yards
Receiving Malik Washington 12 receptions, 115 yards, TD
UNC Passing Drake Maye 24/48, 347 yards, 2 TD, INT
Rushing Omarion Hampton 19 carries, 112 yards
Receiving Tez Walker 11 receptions, 146 yards, TD

at Georgia Tech

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No. 17 North Carolina vs. Georgia Tech
1 234Total
No. 17 Tar Heels 14 1477 42
Yellow Jackets 0 22024 46
  • 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 line Over/under
UNC -11.5 64.5
Statistics UNC GT
First downs 25 29
Plays–yards 72–577 78–639
Rushes–yards 47–267 48–348
Passing yards 310 287
Passing: compattint 17–25–0 23–30–1
Time of possession 32:04 27:56
Team Category Player Statistics
UNC Passing Drake Maye 17/25, 310 yards, 2 TD
Rushing Omarion Hampton 29 carries, 153 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Bryson Nesbit 3 receptions, 89 yards, TD
GT Passing Haynes King 23/30, 287 yards, 4 TD
Rushing Dontae Smith 22 carries, 178 yards, TD
Receiving Eric Singleton, Jr. 8 receptions, 117 yards, TD

Campbell

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Campbell vs. North Carolina
1 234Total
Fighting Camels 7 000 7
Tar Heels 7 211714 59
  • 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 line Over/under
UNC -38.5 67.5
Statistics CU UNC
First downs 20 26
Plays–yards 79–287 61–594
Rushes–yards 42–102 33–276
Passing yards 185 318
Passing: compattint 25–37–1 21–28–0
Time of possession 38:26 21:34
Team Category Player Statistics
CU Passing Hajj-Malik Williams 25/37, 185 yards, INT
Rushing Hajj-Malik Williams 11 carries, 51 yards
Receiving Ezeriah Anderson 9 receptions, 102 yards
UNC Passing Drake Maye 16/23, 244 yards, 4 TD
Rushing Omarion Hampton 15 carries, 144 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Bryson Nesbit 6 receptions, 78 yards
Duke vs. No. 24 North Carolina
1 234OT2OTTotal
Blue Devils 0 1402236 45
No. 24 Tar Heels 10 631738 47
  • 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 line Over/under
UNC -10.5 53.5
Statistics Duke UNC
First downs 22 30
Plays–yards 72–379 87–537
Rushes–yards 43–179 44–195
Passing yards 200 342
Passing: compattint 17–29–0 28–43–1
Time of possession 31:24 28:36
Team Category Player Statistics
Duke Passing Grayson Loftis 16/28, 189 yards, 3 TD
Rushing Jordan Waters 20 carries, 113 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Jordan Moore 6 receptions, 88 yards, 3 TD
UNC Passing Drake Maye 28/43, 342, TD, INT
Rushing Omarion Hampton 31 carries, 169 yards, TD
Receiving Tez Walker 7 receptions, 162 yards

at Clemson

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North Carolina vs. Clemson
1 234Total
No. 20 Tar Heels 7 076 20
Tigers 0 14143 31
    


Pregame line Over/under
CLEM -8.5 59.5
Statistics UNC CLEM
First downs 19 25
Plays–yards 69–457 89–466
Rushes–yards 32–248 55–247
Passing yards 209 219
Passing: compattint 16–37–1 21–34–0
Time of possession 21:49
Team Category Player Statistics
UNC Passing Drake Maye 16/36, 209 yards, TD, INT
Rushing Omarion Hampton 19 carries, 178 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Tez Walker 4 receptions, 70 yards
CLEM Passing Cade Klubnik 21/32, 219 yards, TD
Rushing Will Shipley 18 carries, 126 yards, TD
Receiving Adam Randall 2 receptions, 57 yards

at NC State (Rivalry)

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North Carolina vs. NC State
1 234Total
Tar Heels 0 7130 20
No. 22 Wolfpack 6 20130 39
  • 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 line Over/under
UNC -2.5 55.5
Statistics UNC NCSU
First downs 21 25
Plays–yards 59–384 74–504
Rushes–yards 21–130 43–170
Passing yards 254 334
Passing: compattint 22–38–2 22–31–0
Time of possession 19:54 40:00
Team Category Player Statistics
UNC Passing Drake Maye 22/38, 254, 2 TD, 2 INT
Rushing Drake Maye 9 carries, 106 yards, TD
Receiving John Copenhaver 5 receptions, 64 yards, TD
NCSU Passing Brennan Armstrong 22/31, 334 yards, 3 TD
Rushing KC Concepcion 11 carries, 55 yards
Receiving KC Concepcion 7 receptions, 131 yards, 2 TD

vs. West Virginia (Duke's Mayo Bowl)

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North Carolina vs. West Virginia
1 234Total
Tar Heels 0 1000 10
Mountaineers 7 10310 30
  • 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 line Over/under
WVU -5.5 60.5
Statistics UNC WVU
First downs 20 16
Plays–yards 68–339 53–392
Rushes–yards 41–140 30–164
Passing yards 199 228
Passing: compattint 18–27–2 12–23–0
Time of possession 34:39 25:21
Team Category Player Statistics
UNC Passing Conner Harrell 18/27, 199 yards, TD, 2 INT
Rushing Omarion Hampton 19 carries, 62 yards
Receiving Gavin Blackwell 3 receptions, 78 yards
WVU Passing Garrett Greene 12/23, 228 yards, TD
Rushing Garrett Greene 9 carries, 64 yards
Receiving Traylon Ray 3 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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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]

Name No. Pos. Height Weight Hometown Year New school
Kedrick Bingley-Jones 41 DL 6'4" 305 Concord, NC Junior Mississippi State
Jefferson Boaz 14 QB 6'7" 235 Pilot Mountain, NC Junior Stephen F. Austin
Jalen Brooks 36 LB 5'10" 240 Knightdale, NC Junior Campbell
Deuce Caldwell 44 LB 6'0" 230 Mauldin, SC Sophomore TBD
Chance Carroll 54 OL 6'2" 295 Mooresville, NC Junior Georgia Southern
Tychaun Chapman 0 WR 5'9" 175 Virginia Beach, VA R-Fr. Marshall
Sebastian Cheeks 32 LB 6'2" 230 Skokie, IL R-Fr. Wisconsin
Ryan Coe 40 PK 6'2" 225 McDonald, PA Graduate Cal
Elijah Green 21 RB 5'11" 210 Roswell, GA Junior Indiana
Andre Greene Jr. 1 WR 6'2" 200 Richmond, VA R-Fr. Virginia
Tayon Holloway 20 DB 6'0" 185 Virginia Beach, VA R-Fr. Louisville
D.J. Jones 26 DB/RB 5'10" 200 Fayetteville, NC Graduate Wyoming
Justin Kanyuk 74 OL 6'6" 315 Lehigh Valley, PA R-Fr. Georgia Southern
Cole Maynard 92 P 6'1" 180 Mooresville, NC Sophomore Western Kentucky
Kamari Morales 88 TE 6'2" 245 Buck Lake, FL Graduate Boston College
George Pettaway 23 RB 5'10" 195 Suffolk, VA Sophomore James Madison
Diego Pounds 61 OL 6'5" 330 Raleigh, NC Sophomore Ole 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.

Name No. Pos. Height Weight Hometown Year
Amari Gainer 3 LB 6'3" 235 Tallahassee, FL Graduate
Corey Gaynor 65 OL 6'3" 305 Parkland, FL Graduate
Cedric Gray 33 LB 6'2" 235 Charlotte, NC Senior
Drake Maye 10 QB 6'4" 230 Huntersville, NC Sophomore
Myles Murphy 8 DL 6'4" 310 Greensboro, NC Senior
Spencer Rolland 75 OL 6'6" 315 Burnsville, MN Graduate
Tez Walker 9 WR 6'2" 200 Charlotte, NC Junior

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.