UNC Football starter tabbed semifinalist for top CFB award

After a promising 2-0 start to their football season, the North Carolina Tar Heels collapsed last Saturday for their first loss, a 28-20 defeat vs. a struggling Clemson squad.

UNC (2-1, 0-1 ACC) built an 11-point halftime lead, one which previously stretched to 14 points. North Carolina's defense held the Tiger (2-1, 1-0 ACC) offense in check during the first two quarters, but collapsed after a lengthy rain delay.

In some rare good news for the Tar Heels this week, one offensive lineman recently earned recognition for his on-field play and off-field achievements.

Starting center Christo Kelly, who watched an injury cut his 2025 campaign short, is a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy.

Along with a record 205 additional semifinalists, the Campbell Trophy recognizes college football's best for his academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.

Kelly is the leader on an offensive line that is hit-or-miss through North Carolina's first three games. Opponents sacked UNC quarterback Billy Edwards seven times in three games, but UNC's running back room is thriving, highlighted by Demon June's four touchdowns and Benjamin Hall's career game at Clemson.

Excelling on and off the field 💪 pic.twitter.com/8r7eOMZN1E

— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) September 23, 2026

Starting his career at Holy Cross, Kelly was one of Bill Belichick's top offseason additions ahead of the Tar Heels' 2025 campaign. An injury cut Kelly's first season in Chapel Hill short and, unfortunately, offensive line struggles were noticeable.

In 2026, though, Kelly is a vital piece on a North Carolina squad already showcasing plenty of early-season promise, with the exception of last week's fourth quarter collapse.

Regardless of who starts at quarterback or finds himself atop the UNC backfield, can Kelly and his fellow lineman continue paving the way for a successful offense?

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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Football starter tabbed semifinalist for top CFB award