By Brian Murphy, WRAL

Chapel Hill, N.C. — North Carolina quarterback Jacolby Criswell, who took over as the Tar Heels’ starter for much of the 2024 season, will enter the transfer portal, ESPN reported Wednesday.

Criswell has one year of eligibility remaining. His departure leaves North Carolina without an experienced and healthy quarterback option in new coach Bill Belichick’s first season in Chapel Hill.

The Tar Heels’ quarterback options for 2025 include Max Johnson, who started the 2024 season opener at Minnesota, but suffered a season-ending leg injury; Purdue transfer Ryan Browne, who started two games for the Boilermakers; and incoming four-start freshman Bryce Baker, Belichick’s first high school signee.

Johnson told ESPN previously that he planned to return in 2025.

North Carolina could still add through the transfer portal when it opens again from April 16-25.

Conner Harrell, Michael Merdinger and Criswell, who all played during the 2024 season, have transferred or announced they are transferring.

Criswell played for UNC from 2020 through 2022, transferred to Arkansas for the 2023 season and returned to North Carolina for the 2024 season, where he began the year as the team’s No. 3 quarterback behind Johnson and Harrell. But with the injury to Johnson and Harrell’s struggles, Criswell took over as the team’s starter by the fourth game of the season.

Criswell threw for 2,459 yards and 15 touchdowns for the Tar Heels. He was intercepted six times. He added three rushing touchdowns. Criswell was injured on the first drive of the Fenway Bowl against UConn and did not return.

Source: wralsportsfan.com