Sources: Ex-Wisconsin QB Billy Edwards Jr. to sign with UNC

North Carolina coach Bill Belichick has landed a potential new starting quarterback for his second season with the Tar Heels.

Former Wisconsin quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. has committed to signing with the Tar Heels, sources told ESPN’s Pete Thamel on Sunday. Edwards committed to North Carolina during an on-campus visit this weekend.

Edwards is expected to receive a medical redshirt after injuring his left knee in Wisconsin’s season opener, a 17-0 win over Miami (Ohio). He only played 34 snaps in two games for the Badgers in 2025. He should be available for the start of spring practice.

North Carolina will be Edwards’ fourth team of his college career. He signed with Wake Forest out of high school and redshirted in 2021 before spending three seasons at Maryland.

Edwards, from Springfield, Virginia, finished second in the Big Ten in passing yards per game (261.9) and fourth in completions (273) with the Terrapins in 2024. He earned Music City Bowl MVP honors after leading Maryland to a 31-13 victory over Auburn in 2023.

He totaled 3,430 yards in his career with 19 passing touchdowns and 13 rushing scores.

North Carolina’s offense struggled mightily while finishing 4-8 in Belichick’s first season in 2025. The Tar Heels ranked 16th in the ACC in scoring (19.3 PPG) and passing offense (183.5 YPG). They have scored more than 27 points in a game on one occasion.

ESPN reported Dec. 22 that the Tar Heels were working to hire former Louisville, Arkansas and Atlanta Falcons coach Bobby Petrino to replace offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens, who was fired last month.

Gio Lopez, who started 11 games after transferring from South Alabama, is expected to return and compete for the starting job at North Carolina. Au’Tori Newkirk is also expected to return after attempting six passes in 2025. Quarterback Bryce Baker, the crown jewel of Belichick’s first recruiting class, and senior Max Johnson have entered the transfer portal.

The Tar Heels also signed newcomer Travis Burgess from Loganville, Ga., ESPN’s No. 9-ranked dual-threat quarterback in the 2026 class.