UNC football’s five greatest quarterbacks

For decades, North Carolina was known more for its bruising ground attacks. In recent years, though, the program has added another calling card: high-level quarterback play.

Since 2011, four Tar Heels quarterbacks have been taken in the NFL draft, two of them inside the top 10 picks. Over that same stretch, UNC has regularly fielded one of the country’s most productive passing offenses.

This kind of quarterback success is a relatively recent development in Chapel Hill, but it has quickly become central to how the program is viewed. Here’s a look at five signal-callers who helped reshape North Carolina’s identity under center.

5. Bryn Renner (2009-13)

Bryn Renner entered UNC with high expectations after replacing T.J. Yates, the school’s all-time leading passer. He not only met but surpassed these. 

In 2011, Renner set records for accuracy, completing 22 of 23 passes for 277 yards and two touchdowns, with one interception. He finished the season with a 68.3% completion rate for 3,086 yards, 26 touchdowns — a school record at the time — and a top-10 national passer rating.  

In 2012, Renner continued his success, surpassing previous records with over 65% completions for 3,356 yards and 28 touchdowns, with only seven interceptions—the fewest nationally among eligible quarterbacks.

As a senior in 2013, Renner was on the Maxwell and Davey O’Brien watch lists, but his season was cut short after seven games due to a shoulder injury, ending with 1,765 yards and ten touchdowns. 

Throughout his college career, Renner had a 66.5% completion rate, 8,221 yards, 64 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions.

4. Darian Durant (2001-04)

Darian Durant ended his career holding 51 school records. As a sophomore, he set the single-game passing record with 417 yards against Arizona State. The next year, he set season records for attempts (389), completions (234), and passing yards (2,551).

He graduated as UNC’s all-time leader in attempts (1,159), completions (701), passing touchdowns (68), yards (8,755), and total offense (9,630 yards). His best year was 2003, with 2,551 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, along with 396 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns.

Although Durant was successful individually, he played during one of UNC’s toughest stretches. Except for his freshman year — which included a win over Auburn in the Peach Bowl — UNC posted an 11-25 record and consistently had a weak defense.

3. Marquise Williams (2012-15)

Marquise Williams, one of the most electrifying players in UNC history, set over 20 records, including most rushing yards and touchdowns by a quarterback and total offense. His 99 touchdowns rank second in school history after Sam Howell.

His prime was in 2015, leading UNC to its first ACC Championship Game and an 11-win season since 1997. He passed for 3,072 yards with 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, and rushed for 948 yards and 13 touchdowns.

2. Drake Maye (2021-23)

Drake Maye, a five-star recruit from Charlotte, arrived with high expectations, becoming UNC’s most touted quarterback prospect. His family legacy includes his father, Mark, a former UNC quarterback, and his brother, Luke, a star forward who helped UNC reach the 2017 Final Four and win the national championship.

As a two-year starter, Maye completed 65% of his passes for 8,018 yards and 63 touchdowns. His best season was as a freshman in 2022, setting a school record with 4,321 yards, 38 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He also rushed for nearly 700 yards and scored seven touchdowns, earning ACC Player of the Year.

1. Sam Howell (2019-21)

While Maye may be the more talented, Sam Howell is clearly more accomplished. He holds numerous UNC records, such as passing yards (10,283), yards per game (277.9), touchdowns (92), and single-season yards (3,641), with some rankings ranking high in ACC history. 

As a freshman in 2019, Howell immediately made an impact, throwing for 3,641 yards and 38 touchdowns. In 2020, he passed for 3,586 yards and 30 touchdowns, including a school record of 550 yards and six touchdowns in a single game. His junior year showed his development into a dual-threat quarterback, with 3,056 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 828 rushing yards. His leadership helped UNC reach its first major bowl since 1949—the Orange Bowl.

This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC football’s five greatest quarterbacks