Former Wisconsin quarterback Billy Edwards has officially committed to North Carolina after entering the NCAA transfer portal, as reported by Pete Nakos of On3. Edwards is set to embark on his sixth season of college football in 2026, looking to re-establish himself after a series of challenges due to injuries.
Edwards spent a year competing at Wisconsin following three seasons at Maryland, where he made significant contributions despite facing his own set of obstacles. He began his collegiate career at Wake Forest but did not see any game action during his time there. Unfortunately, his tenure at Wisconsin was marred by injury; he suffered a knee injury in the season opener and subsequently missed most of the season while rehabilitating.
He briefly returned to the field against his former team, Maryland, where he started for the Badgers but re-injured his knee in the first quarter, ending his 2025 season without further play. Edwards’ absence was felt as Wisconsin struggled, concluding the season with a disappointing 4-8 record and a 2-7 performance in conference matchups.
Prior to his time at Wisconsin, Edwards showcased his skills at Maryland, where he made 11 starts in the 2024 season and recorded impressive statistics, racking up 2,881 passing yards and 15 touchdowns against nine interceptions. In total, during his time with the Terrapins, he played in 26 games, amassing 3,317 passing yards and 19 touchdowns while limiting his interceptions to just ten.
Edwards, who was a three-star recruit out of Lake Braddock High School in Virginia, had anticipated that the 2025 season might be his last in college football. However, with his knee injury now a concern for the future, he welcomes the opportunity to make a final impact at North Carolina. The Tar Heels also faced their own setbacks in the previous season, finishing 2025 with a 4-6 record and missing bowl eligibility for the first time in six years, ending a streak achieved under former head coach Mack Brown.
With his experience and determination, Edwards aims to help revitalize the North Carolina football program, potentially stepping in as the starting quarterback. His journey represents resilience amidst adversity, and the upcoming season offers hope for redemption for both Edwards and the Tar Heels.