2023 North Carolina Tar Heels football
ConferenceAtlantic Coast Conference
Record8–5 (4–4 ACC)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorChip Lindsey (1st season)
Defensive coordinatorGene Chizik (4th season)
Home stadiumKenan Memorial Stadium
2023 Atlantic Coast Conference football standings
ConfOverall
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

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.

Offseason

Coaching changes

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

NFL Draft

The following Tar Heels were selected in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Round Pick Player Position NFL Team
379Josh DownsWRIndianapolis Colts
5169Asim RichardsOLDallas Cowboys
7219Antoine GreenWRDetroit Lions
7227Raymond VohasekDLJacksonville Jaguars

Transfers

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]

NameNo.Pos.HeightWeightHometownYearNew school
Dontae Balfour14DB6'1"180Starke, FLRedshirt FreshmanCharlotte
Tymir Brown28DB6'0"180Jacksonville, NCRedshirt FreshmanECU
Chris Collins17DL6'4"245Richmond, VAGraduateMinnesota
Ja'Qurious Conley‡0DB6'1"215Jacksonville, NCJunior«»
Jacolby Criswell6QB6'1"225Morrilton, ARSophomoreArkansas
Raneiria "RaRa" Dillworth11LB6'1"200Winston-Salem, NCSophomoreECU
Storm Duck3DB6'0"200Boiling Springs, SCSeniorLouisville
Tony Grimes1DB6'0"195Virginia Beach, VAJuniorTexas A&M
Ladaeson Deandre Hollins‡15DB6'1"200Tampa, FLGraduateCharlotte
Bryson Jennings‡19DL6'4"245Richmond, VARedshirt FreshmanLiberty
Kendall Karr82TE6'3"250Belmont, NCSophomoreCoastal Carolina
Cam'Ron Kelly9DB6'1"210Chesapeake, VASeniorLouisville
Jonathan Kim95PK6'0"210Fredericksburg, VASeniorMichigan State
Dontavius Nash21DB6'2"180Gastonia, NCRedshirt FreshmanECU
Justin Olson83WR6'2"200Huntersville, NCJuniorMTSU
Keeshawn Silver55DL6'5"315Rocky Mount, NCRedshirt FreshmanKentucky
Gabe Stephens‡34DL6'3"220Mount Holly, NCRedshirt SophomoreEastern Kentucky
Jahlil Taylor52DL6'0"295Vienna, GASeniorODU

‡ Entered transfer portal following the conclusion of spring practices.

«» Indicates player did not enroll at a new school.

Additions

Incoming Transfers

Source:[10]

NameNo.Pos.HeightWeightHometownYearPrevious school
Derrik Allen7DB6'2"211Marietta, GAGraduateGeorgia Tech
Armani Chatman9DB6'0"180Virginia Beach, VAGraduateVirginia Tech
Ryan Coe40K6'3"225McDonald, PAGraduateCincinnati
Amari Gainer3Jack6'3"237Tallahassee, FLGraduateFlorida State
Alijah Huzzie28DB5'11"190Franklin, GAJuniorETSU
Willie Lampkin53OL6'0"275Lakeland, FLSeniorCoastal Carolina
Antavious "Stick" Lane1DB5'9"180West Palm Beach, FLGraduateGeorgia State
Tom Maginness96P6'0"220Melbourne, AustraliaSophomoreProKick Australia
Nate McCollum6WR5'11"185Hampton, GASeniorGeorgia Tech
Devontez Walker9WR6'3"190Charlotte, NCJuniorKent State

Recruiting Class

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: Scout: N/A   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars   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: Scout: N/A   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars   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: Scout: N/A   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars   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: Scout: N/A   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars   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: Scout: N/A   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:4/5 stars   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: Scout: N/A   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars   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: Scout: N/A   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:4/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars   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: Scout: N/A   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars   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: Scout: N/A   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars   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: Scout: N/A   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars   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: Scout: N/A   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars   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: Scout: N/A   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars   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: Scout: N/A   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars   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: Scout: N/A   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars   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: Scout: N/A   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars   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: Scout: N/A   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars   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: Scout: N/A   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars   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: Scout: N/A   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars   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: Scout: N/A   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars   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: Scout: N/A   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports:3/5 stars    ESPN:3/5 stars   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

Coaching Staff

North Carolina Tar Heels coaches
Mack BrownHead coach15th
Chip LindseyOffensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach1st
Freddie KitchensRun game coordinator/Tight ends coach1st
Randy ClementsOffensive line coach1st
Lonnie GallowayAssistant head coach/Pass Game coordinator/Wide receivers5th
Larry PorterSpecial Teams coordinator/Running backs3rd
Gene ChizikAHC/Defensive Coordinator4th
Charlton WarrenCo-defensive coordinator/Defensive backs coach2nd
Tommy ThigpenCo-defensive coordinator/Inside Linebackers coach6th
Tim CrossDefensive line coach5th
Jason JonesCornerbacks coach1st
Brian HessHead strength and conditioning coach5th
Sparky WoodsSenior advisor to head coach5th
Darrell MoodySenior advisor to head coach5th
Clyde ChristensenVolunteer Offensive Analyst1st
Ted MonachinoSenior Defensive Analyst1st
Reference:[12]

Roster

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 – Redshirt 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 Brooks – graduate (5'11, 225)
  • 25 Kellan Hood – Redshirt freshman (5'10, 190)
  • 28 Omarion Hamptonsophomore (6'0, 220)
  • 34 Jordan Louie – freshman (5'10, 215)

Wide receiver

  • 0 Tychaun "Doc" Chapman – Redshirt freshman (5'9, 175)
  • 1 Andre Greene Jr. – Redshirt 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 Paysour – sophomore (6'0, 185)
  • 9 Devontez "Tez" Walkerjunior (6'2, 195)
  • 11 Paul Billups II – freshman (6'1, 195)
  • 13 Tylee Craft – senior (6'5, 200)
  • 19 Grady Sherrill – Redshirt freshman (5'8, 180)
  • 20 Brooks Miller – sophomore (5'11, 180)
  • 27 Michael Hall – Redshirt freshman (6'0, 180)
  • 38 Aiden Cloninger – Redshirt 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 – Redshirt 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 – Redshirt freshman (6'1, 230)
  • 87 Cort Halsey – freshman (6'2, 215)
  • 88 Kamari Morales – graduate (6'2, 245)
  • 89 Cal Tierney – Redshirt freshman (6'5, 235)

Offensive line

  • 51 R.J. Grigsby – freshman (6'3, 315)
  • 52 Jonathan Adorno – senior (6'4, 315)
  • 53 Willie Lampkin – junior (5'11, 290)
  • 54 Chance Carroll – junior (6'2, 295)
  • 55 Zach Rice – Redshirt 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 – Redshirt freshman (6'6, 295)'
  • 72 Nolan McConnell – freshman (6'6, 320)
  • 73 Eli Sutton – sophomore (6'6, 310)
  • 74 Justin Kanyuk – Redshirt freshman (6'5, 315)
  • 75 Spencer Rolland – graduate (6'6, 315)
  • 76 William Barnes – senior (6'4, 320)
  • 78 Trevyon Green – Redshirt freshman (6'7, 340)
  • 79 Bo Burkes – Redshirt freshman (6'2, 300)

Defensive line

  • 0 Tomari Fox – graduate (6'3, 300)
  • 4 Travis Shaw – sophomore (6'5, 335)
  • 5 Jahvaree Ritzie – junior (6'4, 295)
  • 8 Myles Murphy – senior (6'4, 310)
  • 10 Desmond Evans – senior (6'6, 275)
  • 12 Beau Atkinson – Redshirt 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 Gainer – graduate (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 – Redshirt 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 – Redshirt 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 – Redshirt 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 – Redshirt 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 – Redshirt 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 – Redshirt 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

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.DukedaggerNo. 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

vs. South Carolina (Duke's Mayo Classic, rivalry)

Game One – No. 21 North Carolina Tar Heels (0-0) vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (0-0) – Game summary
Period 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)
StatisticsUNCSC
First downs2120
Total yards71–43770–351
Rushing yards39–16831– -2
Passing yards269353
Passing: Comp–Att–Int24–32–230–39–0
Time of possession32:3727:23
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
North CarolinaPassingDrake Maye24/32, 269 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
RushingBritish Brooks15 carries, 103 yards
ReceivingKobe Paysour7 receptions, 66 yards, TD
South CarolinaPassingSpencer Rattler30/39, 353 yards
RushingDakereon Joyner12 carries, 23 yards, TD
ReceivingXavier Legette9 receptions, 178 yards

Appalachian State

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 -1858
Statistics App UNC
First downs3027
Plays–yards87–49475–527
Rushes–yards44–21945–319
Passing yards275208
Passing: comp–att–int22–43–121–30
Time of possession33:2926:21
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
App PassingJoey Aguilar22/43, 275 yards, 2 TD, INT
RushingNate Noel26 carries, 127 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingDashaun Davis7 receptions, 117 yards, TD
UNC PassingDrake Maye21/30, 208 yards
RushingOmarion Hampton26 carries, 234 yards, 3 TD
ReceivingJ.J. Jones5 receptions, 91 yards

Minnesota

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 -7.551
Statistics MIN UNC
First downs1926
Plays–yards61–30377–519
Rushes–yards31–17037–105
Passing yards133414
Passing: comp–att–int11–30–229–40–2
Time of possession26:5033:10
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
MIN PassingAthan Kaliakmanis11/29, 133 yards, INT
RushingDarius Taylor22 carries, 138 yards, TD
ReceivingCorey Crooms4 receptions, 46 yards
UNC PassingDrake Maye29/40, 414 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
RushingOmarion Hampton13 carries, 46 yards, TD
ReceivingNate McCollum15 receptions, 165 yards, TD

at Pittsburgh

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 -7.550.5
Statistics UNC PITT
First downs2218
Plays–yards69–37360–304
Rushes–yards39–7727–110
Passing yards296196
Passing: comp–att–int22–30–018–33–2
Time of possession31:0728:53
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UNC PassingDrake Maye22/30, 296 yards, TD
RushingOmarion Hampton18 carries, 66 yards, TD
ReceivingJ.J. Jones6 receptions, 117 yards
PITT PassingPhil Jurkovec11/15, 109 yards
RushingRodney Hammond Jr.14 carries, 83 yards, TD
ReceivingKonata Mumpfield8 receptions, 90 yards

Syracuse

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 -9.559.5
Statistics SU UNC
First downs1133
Plays–yards51–22197–644
Rushes–yards28–9248–202
Passing yards129442
Passing: comp–att–int16–23–233–49–0
Time of possession22:4437:16
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
SU PassingGarrett Shrader15/21, 124 yards, INT
RushingLeQuint Allen11 carries, 38 yards, TD
ReceivingUmari Hatcher6 receptions, 85 yards
UNC PassingDrake Maye33/47, 442 yards, 3 TD
RushingOmarion Hampton15 carries, 78 yards
ReceivingNate McCollum7 receptions, 135 yards

Miami (FL)

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 -3.556.5
Statistics UM UNC
First downs2824
Plays–yards76–48276–508
Rushes–yards27–9143–235
Passing yards391273
Passing: comp–att–int31–49–217–33–0
Time of possession30:0429:56
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UM PassingTyler Van Dyke31/48, 391 yards, 4 TD
RushingHenry Parrish Jr.13 carries, 73 yards, TD
ReceivingXavier Restrepo11 receptions, 96 yards, 2 TD
UNC PassingDrake Maye17/33, 273 yards, 4 TD
RushingOmarion Hampton24 carries, 197 yards, TD
ReceivingTez Walker6 receptions, 132 yards, 3 TD

Virginia (South's Oldest Rivalry)

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 -23.556.5
Statistics UVA UNC
First downs2626
Plays–yards84–43677–490
Rushes–yards54–22829–143
Passing yards208347
Passing: comp–att–int20–30–124–48–1
Time of possession37:0622:54
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UVA PassingTony Muskett20/30, 208 yards, TD, INT
RushingPerris Jones14 carries, 67 yards
ReceivingMalik Washington12 receptions, 115 yards, TD
UNC PassingDrake Maye24/48, 347 yards, 2 TD, INT
RushingOmarion Hampton19 carries, 112 yards
ReceivingTez Walker11 receptions, 146 yards, TD

at Georgia Tech

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 -11.564.5
Statistics UNC GT
First downs2529
Plays–yards72–57778–639
Rushes–yards47–26748–348
Passing yards310287
Passing: comp–att–int17–25–023–30–1
Time of possession32:0427:56
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UNC PassingDrake Maye17/25, 310 yards, 2 TD
RushingOmarion Hampton29 carries, 153 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingBryson Nesbit3 receptions, 89 yards, TD
GT PassingHaynes King23/30, 287 yards, 4 TD
RushingDontae Smith22 carries, 178 yards, TD
ReceivingEric Singleton, Jr.8 receptions, 117 yards, TD

Campbell

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 -38.567.5
Statistics CU UNC
First downs2026
Plays–yards79–28761–594
Rushes–yards42–10233–276
Passing yards185318
Passing: comp–att–int25–37–121–28–0
Time of possession38:2621:34
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
CU PassingHajj-Malik Williams25/37, 185 yards, INT
RushingHajj-Malik Williams11 carries, 51 yards
ReceivingEzeriah Anderson9 receptions, 102 yards
UNC PassingDrake Maye16/23, 244 yards, 4 TD
RushingOmarion Hampton15 carries, 144 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingBryson Nesbit6 receptions, 78 yards

Duke (Victory Bell)

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 -10.553.5
Statistics Duke UNC
First downs2230
Plays–yards72–37987–537
Rushes–yards43–17944–195
Passing yards200342
Passing: comp–att–int17–29–028–43–1
Time of possession31:2428:36
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Duke PassingGrayson Loftis16/28, 189 yards, 3 TD
RushingJordan Waters20 carries, 113 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingJordan Moore6 receptions, 88 yards, 3 TD
UNC PassingDrake Maye28/43, 342, TD, INT
RushingOmarion Hampton31 carries, 169 yards, TD
ReceivingTez Walker7 receptions, 162 yards

at Clemson

North Carolina vs. Clemson
1 234Total
No. 20 Tar Heels 7 076 20
Tigers 0 14143 31
    
Pregame line Over/under
CLEM -8.559.5
Statistics UNC CLEM
First downs1925
Plays–yards69–45789–466
Rushes–yards32–24855–247
Passing yards209219
Passing: comp–att–int16–37–121–34–0
Time of possession21:49
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UNC PassingDrake Maye16/36, 209 yards, TD, INT
RushingOmarion Hampton19 carries, 178 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingTez Walker4 receptions, 70 yards
CLEM PassingCade Klubnik21/32, 219 yards, TD
RushingWill Shipley18 carries, 126 yards, TD
ReceivingAdam Randall2 receptions, 57 yards

at NC State (Rivalry)

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 -2.555.5
Statistics UNC NCSU
First downs2125
Plays–yards59–38474–504
Rushes–yards21–13043–170
Passing yards254334
Passing: comp–att–int22–38–222–31–0
Time of possession19:5440:00
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UNC PassingDrake Maye22/38, 254, 2 TD, 2 INT
RushingDrake Maye9 carries, 106 yards, TD
ReceivingJohn Copenhaver5 receptions, 64 yards, TD
NCSU PassingBrennan Armstrong22/31, 334 yards, 3 TD
RushingKC Concepcion11 carries, 55 yards
ReceivingKC Concepcion7 receptions, 131 yards, 2 TD

vs. West Virginia (Duke's Mayo Bowl)

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 -5.560.5
Statistics UNC WVU
First downs2016
Plays–yards68–33953–392
Rushes–yards41–14030–164
Passing yards199228
Passing: comp–att–int18–27–212–23–0
Time of possession34:3925:21
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
UNC PassingConner Harrell18/27, 199 yards, TD, 2 INT
RushingOmarion Hampton19 carries, 62 yards
ReceivingGavin Blackwell3 receptions, 78 yards
WVU PassingGarrett Greene12/23, 228 yards, TD
RushingGarrett Greene9 carries, 64 yards
ReceivingTraylon Ray3 receptions, 91 yards, TD

Rankings

Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked RV = Received votes
Week
PollPre1234567891011121314Final
AP211720171514121017RV2422RVRV
Coaches201618171513121017252320RV
CFPNot released2420Not released

After the season

All-Conference Selections

Source:[19]

1st team

2nd team

3rd team

  • Willie Lampkin (OL)
  • Tez Walker (WR)
  • Power Echols (LB)

Honorable Mention

  • Spencer Rolland (OL)
  • Corey Gaynor (OL)
  • Myles Murphy (DT)
  • Alijah Huzzie (DB)

All-America Selections

  • Omarion Hampton (1st Team, WCFF; 2nd team CBS Sports, AP)

Departures

Transfer Portal Entries

The following members of the 2023 Tar Heel football team entered the transfer portal in the postseason window.[20]

NameNo.Pos.HeightWeightHometownYearNew school
Kedrick Bingley-Jones41DL6'4"305Concord, NCJuniorTBD
Jefferson Boaz14QB6'7"235Pilot Mountain, NCJuniorTBD
Deuce Caldwell44LB6'0"230Mauldin, SCSophomoreTBD
Tychaun Chapman0WR5'9"175Virginia Beach, VAR-Fr.Marshall
Sebastian Cheeks32LB6'2"230Skokie, ILR-Fr.Wisconsin
Ryan Coe40PK6'2"225McDonald, PAGraduateCal
Elijah Green21RB5'11"210Roswell, GAJuniorTBD
Andre Greene Jr.1WR6'2"200Richmond, VAR-Fr.Virginia
Tayon Holloway20DB6'0"185Virginia Beach, VAR-Fr.Louisville
D.J. Jones26DB/RB5'10"200Fayetteville, NCGraduateTBD
Justin Kanyuk74OL6'6"315Lehigh Valley, PAR-Fr.TBD
Cole Maynard92P6'1"180Mooresville, NCSophomoreTBD
Kamari Morales88TE6'2"245Buck Lake, FLGraduateBoston College
George Pettaway23RB5'10"195Suffolk, VASophomoreTBD

NFL Draft Entries

The following Tar Heel players announced plans to enter the 2024 NFL Draft and forgo any remaining collegiate eligibility.

NameNo.Pos.HeightWeightHometownYear
Amari Gainer3LB6'3"235Tallahassee, FLGraduate
Corey Gaynor65OL6'3"305Parkland, FLGraduate
Cedric Gray33LB6'2"235Charlotte, NCSenior
Drake Maye10QB6'4"230Huntersville, NCSophomore
Myles Murphy8DL6'4"310Greensboro, NCSenior
Spencer Rolland75OL6'6"315Burnsville, MNGraduate
Tez Walker9WR6'2"200Charlotte, NCJunior

Coaching Changes

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]

References

  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. 1 2 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.
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