Michael Carter
FILE - North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell (7) rolls out while being chased by North Carolina State defensive tackle Davin Vann (45) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 26, 2021, in Raleigh, N.C. The junior quarterback started his career at North Carolina in 2019 by leading the Tar Heels to a win over South Carolina at Bank of America Stadium in the season opener. Now the projected first round NFL draft pick will look to close out his career with a victory over Gamecocks at the same stadium in the Duke's Mayo Bowl. (AP Photo/Chris Seward, File)
North Carolina QB's career comes full circle vs Gamecocks

By Steve Reed Dec. 29, 2021 01:07 PM EST

FILE - Wake Forest head coach Dave Clawson answers a question during an NCAA college football news conference at the Atlantic Coast Conference media days in Charlotte, N.C., in this Thursday, July 22, 2021, file photo. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond, File)
Wake's Clawson, Pitt's Pickett top AP's midyear ACC honors

By Aaron Beard Oct. 20, 2021 12:35 PM EDT

Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman looks to pass against Louisville during the second half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Winston-Salem, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Pitt's Pickett emerging in ACC's next wave of NFL-ready QBs

By Charles Odum Oct. 06, 2021 01:38 PM EDT

North Carolina coach Mack Brown applauds during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against Virginia in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Mayhem at Mercedes: Ga Tech faces No. 21 UNC at NFL stadium

By Paul Newberry Sep. 23, 2021 10:24 AM EDT

North Carolina defensive back Don Chapman (2) and teammates tackle Virginia running back Mike Hollins (7) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Howell, Chandler, Downs help No. 21 UNC beat Virginia 59-39

By Aaron Beard Sep. 18, 2021 11:23 PM EDT

North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell (7) is sacked by Virginia Tech's Chamarri Conner (22) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 3, 2021, in Blacksburg, Va. (Matt Gentry/The Roanoke Times via AP)
No. 24 Tar Heels look to regroup against Georgia State

By The Associated Press Sep. 09, 2021 05:03 PM EDT

North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell (7) is sacked by Virginia Tech's Chamarri Conner (22) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 3, 2021, in Blacksburg, Va. (Matt Gentry/The Roanoke Times via AP)
No. 24 UNC looks to regroup at home against Georgia State

By Aaron Beard Sep. 09, 2021 01:46 PM EDT

FILE - Virginia Tech quarterback Braxton Burmeister throws a pass during the first half against Clemson in an NCAA college football game in Blacksburg, Va., in this Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, file photo. Few Power Five programs struggled through the pandemic more than Virginia Tech. Coach Justin Fuente and the Hokies hope to restore some order this season. (Matt Gentry/The Roanoke Times via AP, Pool, File)
No. 10 Tar Heels, Hokies meet in early ACC Coastal clash

By Hank Kurz Jr. Sep. 02, 2021 11:47 AM EDT

Howell, No. 10 Tar Heels face hype as ACC division favorite

By Aaron Beard Aug. 18, 2021 10:20 AM EDT
The expectations have risen rapidly at North Carolina, with the Tar Heels going from a team needing confidence just to win a few games to having a Heisman...

Pittsburgh head coach Pat Narduzzi answers a question during the NCAA college football Atlantic Coast Conference media days in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, July 21, 2021. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
New ACC commissioner wants Notre Dame as football member

By Steve Reed Jul. 21, 2021 04:05 PM EDT

FILE - In this Nov. 7, 2020, file photo, Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei looks for a receiver during the first quarter against Notre Dame in an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind. The Atlantic Coast Conference's top offenses should be right back in the flow next season. There will just be some new faces at North Carolina and Clemson that will be piling up the yards. (Matt Cashore/Pool Photo via AP, File)
Top two ACC offenses look to new faces to keep humming

By Pete Iacobelli Apr. 26, 2021 12:14 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 3, 2020, file photo, North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell passes during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Boston College in Boston. Howell is back for his junior season while leading an offense with major personnel losses. The Heisman Trophy candidate and top NFL prospect has spent spring practices working to improve timing and chemistry with new receivers to help the offense take shape. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)
Tar Heels' Howell working to find chemistry with new faces

By Aaron Beard Apr. 23, 2021 01:39 PM EDT

North Carolina running back Javonte Williams participates in the school's Pro Day football workout for NFL scouts in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, March 29, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Offensive playmakers on display as Tar Heels conduct pro day

By Hank Kurz Jr. Mar. 29, 2021 06:40 PM EDT

American Team quarterback Kellen Mond of Texas A&M (12) has his throw tipped by National Team offensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa of UCLA (92) during the first half of the NCAA Senior Bowl college football game in Mobile, Ala., Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Franks-to-Yeboah TD seals National's 27-24 Senior Bowl win

By John Zenor Jan. 30, 2021 05:59 PM EST

Tennessee's Ty Chandler transferring to North Carolina

Jan. 12, 2021 06:46 PM EST
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Running back Ty Chandler is transferring to North Carolina for his final season of eligibility after graduating from Tennessee. ...

Alabama quarterback Mac Jones passes against Ohio State during the second half of an NCAA College Football Playoff national championship game, Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
AP Top 25 Reality Check: Wrapping up 2020, looking to 2021

By Ralph D. Russo Jan. 12, 2021 12:29 PM EST

Texas A&M players pose for photos at the end of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Texas A&M defeated North Carolina 41-27. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Texas A&M runs past North Carolina in Orange Bowl, 41-27

By Tim Reynolds Jan. 02, 2021 11:49 PM EST

Title-winning coaches to square off in Orange Bowl

By The Associated Press Jan. 01, 2021 11:24 AM EST
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Orange Bowl: No. 5 Texas A&M (8-1) vs. No. 14 North Carolina (8-3), at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, Saturday, 8 p...

Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond (11) speaks to head coach Jimbo Fisher during an NCAA college football game against Tennessee in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020. (Brianna Paciorka/Knoxville News Sentinel via AP, Pool)
Texas A&M, North Carolina look forward, await Orange Bowl

By Tim Reynolds Jan. 01, 2021 11:13 AM EST

Northwestern defensive back Brandon Joseph celebrates after intercepting a pass in the end zone during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game against Ohio State, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Indianapolis. Joseph was selected to The Associated Press All-America first-team defense, Monday, Dec. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
2020 AP All-America Team

By The Associated Press Dec. 28, 2020 12:36 PM EST