Texas Christian and North Carolina play Saturday, August 29, at 12 PM on ESPN, live from Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland.
Harvard transfer quarterback Jaden Craig—who opted out of his senior season after throwing for 6,074 yards, 52 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions—leads TCU’s offense, replacing Josh Hoover, who transferred to Indiana.
Jeremy Payne (photo courtesy USA Today)
The ground game relies on sophomore Jeremy Payne (623 rushing yards, five TDs, 5.7 avg; 207 receiving yards, 9.4 avg) and Landon Walker, a 6’2″, 225-pound Colorado School of Mines transfer (2,220 rushing yards, 29 TDs, 6.5 avg).
With top receiver Eric McAlister (1,190 yards, 10 TDs, 16.5 avg; now a free agent with a foot injury) graduated, Jordan Dwyer (6’0″, 190 lbs; 730 yards, 7 TDs, 13.5 avg) and South Alabama transfer Jeremy Scott (6’3″, 200 lbs; 417 yards, four TDs) step up.
Defensively, senior safety Jamel Johnson (96 tackles, 60 solo, five INTs, three PD) anchors the unit following leading tackler Kaleb Elarms-Orr’s (130 stops, four sacks, two PD) departure to the Buffalo Bills. Shoring up the lineup are Western Kentucky edge transfer Koron Hayward (19 tackles, 2.5 sacks, one INT over 11 games) and Louisiana Tech transfer safety Jacob Fields, the C-USA Co-Defensive Player of the Year (54 tackles, two INTs, four PBU, one FF).
The North Carolina Tar Heels entering the matchup possess a multifaceted offensive attack, starting under center where a compelling quarterback dynamic is unfolding.
Billy Edwards (photo courtesy ESPN)
Senior quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., who has accumulated 3,430 passing yards and thrown for 19 touchdowns, brings veteran leadership and substantial production to the system. However, freshman Au’Tori Newkirk, who has logged 23 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, remains heavily in the mix.
Head Coach Bill Belichick may utilize both signal-callers, as a strategic two-quarterback system is not out of the question. Both athletes will remain prepared to command the unit, providing the team with vital depth in case of injury or offering a necessary change of pace during the game.
Complementing the passing game, the Tar Heels bring their own talented stable of running backs to anchor the ground assault. The backfield is featured by sophomore Demon June, who has generated 464 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns while maintaining a strong 5.5 yards per carry, alongside contributing 159 receiving yards and another touchdown through the air.
Joining him is junior Benjamin Hall, who has contributed 415 yards and two touchdowns to the rushing rotation. To bolster this group, Carolina picked up much-needed experience and physical presence by adding junior transfer Kaleb Jackson from LSU, a powerful runner standing at 6’0” and weighing 235 pounds who has recorded 331 yards and four touchdowns.
Out on the perimeter, an impressive duo heads up the receiving corps to provide reliable targets for the quarterbacks. Junior Jordan Shipp serves as a premier deep threat, racking up 785 yards and seven touchdowns with an 11.3 yards per catch average. Shipp’s elite top-end speed allows him to effectively stretch the field, opening up defensive coverages for Edwards Jr., Newkirk, or whoever commands the offense. On the other side, senior Kobe Paysour provides high-volume production, leading the unit with 1,409 yards and 8 touchdowns while averaging 13.2 yards per reception.
While Paysour may not possess the raw, explosive speed that Shipp showcases, his excellent route running and precise footwork make him incredibly difficult for opposing defenders to lock down in coverage.
Following the departure of top tackler Khmori House (78 tackles, 45 solo, one INT, one FF), who transferred to the Razorbacks, the Tar Heel defense is tasked with reshaping its core and relying on key returning playmakers. Linebacker Andrew Simpson steps into a central leadership role after posting impressive numbers, including 61 tackles, five sacks, one interception, one forced fumble, and one pass defended.
Up front, defensive lineman Melkart Abou Jaoude provides a powerful pass-rushing presence coming off a season with 47 tackles, 10.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. In the secondary, defensive back Will Hardy adds consistency and coverage depth, having recorded 53 tackles (25 solo and 28 assisted). Together, this core group must anchor the unit to maintain stability and pressure opposing offenses.
TCU is a touchdown-plus favorite to down the Heels.
