Bobby Petrino’s offensive overhaul centers on a heated battle between savvy veteran Billy Edwards Jr. and a talented cast of mobile dual-threats and strong-armed freshmen in Chapel Hill.
Former North Carolina quarterback Gio Lopez is happy to be at Wake Forest after a tumultuous 2025 campaign in Chapel Hill.
After a 4-8 season, the Tar Heels are trying to make significant changes on offense to improve their play in the ACC.
Head coach Bill Belichick made a big hire at offensive coordinator, bringing in legendary offensive mind Bobby Petrino. Petrino has had success with the offense at virtually every school he's coached at, including Arkansas, though the Razorbacks defense didn't do its part to win enough games.
Petrino is overseeing a crucial quarterback battle this spring and summer. After 15 practices of spring football, Tar Heels insider Greg Barnes of On3 explained what the position looks like heading into training camp.
Travis Burgess needs to develop in his freshman year. Wisconsin transfer Billy Edwards brings experience to UNC.
"Freshman Travis Burgess obviously needs to put on a lot of weight, which will come, but he’s got a big arm and there’s a reason the coaching staff really liked him. Miles O’Neil, another really big arm," Barnes said, via On3. "Billy Edwards Jr, he’s battled some injuries throughout his time, but he’s a savvy player."
"He’s played at some some high profile programs in both at Maryland and Wisconsin. He’s experienced, and there’s a lot of value in having a experienced leader to direct and take charge in the position group room."
Edwards is considered by most around college football to be the likely starter for Week 1. However, Tori Newkirk could be an intriguing option for Petrino because of his mobility, something Edwards isn't known for.
Western Carolina transfer Taron Dickens is another potential option, bringing an accurate arm to the Tar Heels.
"Tori Newkirk is a little bit different than the others," Barnes said. "He has a big arm as well, but he’s more mobile, and he brings a lot of different things to the equation that maybe some of the other guys do not.
"Then Taron Dickens from Western Carolina, who was not able to participate in spring ball because he wasn’t here yet. And he’s a different type of player as well, not a big guy, not near the same size as these other ones, but he is somebody who is incredibly accurate."
UNC must get the quarterback position right for the upcoming season.
Again, Edwards feels like the safe choice for Week 1, but there are plenty of options for Petrino to turn to if the former Badgers quarterback isn't playing good football during the non-conference schedule.