Can the North Carolina Tar Heels, in the midst of their worst football stretch this year, turn their season around today against Georgia Tech?
It’s not impossible, but UNC (3-3, 0-2 ACC) hasn’t necessarily put itself in the best position to win recently. One week it’s poor defense, the next it’s a disappearing offense. North Carolina has plenty of talent on both sides of the ball, highlighted by running back Omarion Hampton and edge rusher Kaimon Rucker, but that talent isn’t translating into victories.
Regardless of how the Tar Heels play, it’ll certainly be a powerful scene inside Kenan Stadium. UNC is dubbing today its Cancer Awareness game, as it honors junior wide receiver Tylee Craft, who was diagnosed with lung cancer back in 2022.
North Carolina also named its captains for today’s clash: Starting defensive tackle Kevin Hester Jr., starting cornerback Alijah Huzzie, starting wide receiver Nate McCollum and tight end Cal Tierney, who battled cancer in the 2024 offseason.
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Hester is enjoying his final season in Carolina Blue, as his two sacks make him one of just four Tar Heels with multiple. Hester also has 17 tackles (eight solo) and two tackles for loss.
Huzzie continues to lead the UNC secondary with a team-best five pass breakups. Huzzie also has 15 tackles (eight solo) and 2.5 tackles for loss to his name.
McCollum enjoyed a breakout game North Carolina’s wide receiver group desperately needed last week, catching 10 passes for a season-best 128 yards. McCollum was the first Tar Heel receiver to surpass the century mark in 2024.
Tierney has yet to appear in a game for UNC, but we’re hoping that he’ll be able to return in 2025 and play some much-deserved football.
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