North Carolina Names Billy Edwards Jr. Starting QB

North Carolina has officially named veteran transfer QB Billy Edwards Jr. its starter for the season opener against TCU in Ireland, according to Pete Thamel.

Edwards won a close quarterback competition with Texas A&M transfer Miles O’Neill, who entered the battle with familiarity with new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino.

The decision gives Edwards another opportunity as a starting quarterback after an injury derailed his lone season at Wisconsin.

Edwards suffered a Grade 3 PCL strain in his left knee during Wisconsin’s 2025 season opener against Miami Ohio. He attempted to return against his former team, Maryland, several weeks later, but ultimately missed the remainder of the season and opted to rehab the injury without surgery.

Before his brief stint at Wisconsin, Edwards spent 3 seasons at Maryland from 2022 through 2024.

His best season came after taking over as the Terrapins full-time starter in 2024. Edwards completed 65% of his passes for 2,881 yards, 15 TDs and 9 INTs while adding another 5 TDs on the ground.

Now healthy and at his third program, Edwards has another chance to lead an offense as QB1.