Billy Edwards Jr. named starting quarterback for North Carolina

CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 19, 2026, 2:15 PM

Last updated Aug 19, 2026

Billy Edwards Jr. named starting quarterback for North Carolina

Summary

Billy Edwards Jr. has been named the starting quarterback for North Carolina as they prepare to open the 2026 season against TCU. Edwards won the starting job over Texas A&M transfer Miles O'Neill after competing in two fall scrimmages. Head coach Bill Belichick enters his second season with the team, hoping to improve from a challenging debut year. This makes Edwards the 18th different starting quarterback under Belichick in his coaching career across both the NFL and collegiate levels. North Carolina anticipates a cultural shift and continuity as they aim for better results this season.

Source Links

CBS Sports

Key Details

•Billy Edwards Jr. is the 18th starting quarterback under Belichick.
•Edwards previously played at Wisconsin before transferring.
•He won the starting position over Miles O'Neill in fall scrimmages.
•North Carolina opens its season against TCU.
•Belichick is focused on improvement in his second year.

Latest Updates

2:15 PMCBS Sports — Bill Belichick's quarterback situations ranked: From Tom Brady to North Carolina's Billy Edwards Jr.

What they're saying

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Edwards will be the 18th different starting quarterback of Belichick's head coaching career when North Carolina opens 2026 against TCU
— CBS Sportsby Brad Crawford

Related Teams & Leagues

Football