For all the flack he catches about being inaccurate and inconsistent, Billy Edwards is one heck of an upgrade at quarterback from Gio Lopez.
UNC entered 2026 with questions at quarterback again, as Lopez transferred to in-state rival Wake Forest
. North Carolina landed Edwards, the sixth-year journeyman quarterback who started his career as a Demon Deacon, but played sparingly in 2025 due to an injury.Edwards just enjoyed his best game in a Tar Heel uniform, completing 28 passes for 341 yards and a career-high four touchdowns, during Halloween's 38-35 loss to top-ranked Miami (FL). As a result, Edwards earned ACC Quarterback of the Week honors.
With Saturday's performance, Edwards now has 1,872 passing yards and 15 passing touchdowns, both of
which rank Top-35 amongst all quarterbacks. Edwards connected with star tight end Jelani Thurman for two scores against the Hurricanes (8-0, 6-0 ACC), Jordan Shipp for one and Trech Kekahuna for another.
Billy Edwards is your ACC Quarterback of the Week 💪 pic.twitter.com/LdhxhJSjuO
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) November 2, 2026
Sam Howell and Drake Maye spoiled UNC fans, who have unrealistic Heisman Trophy-esque expectations for Edwards. You don't need your team's starting quarterback to throw for 400 yards and multiple touchdowns every game, but it certainly helps.
Edwards struggled earlier this fall, highlighted by a stretch of five turnovers in three games. North Carolina's defense countered those struggles, locking down opponents in crunch time.
Now, Edwards is playing his best football, while the Tar Heels' defense couldn't stop water falling out of a boat. UNC will need Edwards to continue leading its offense at a high clip, but can the defense counter and help win games?
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: Billy Edwards earns weekly honor after career performance vs. Miami
