Quarterback Jacolby Criswell Commits to UNC for a Second Time

Criswell has returned to Chapel Hill.

This morning, North Carolina got a commitment from transfer quarterback Jacolby Criswell. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because he previously spent three seasons with the Tar Heels before entering the transfer portal last offseason. Criswell would commit to home-state Arkansas and stay for just one year.

Circling Back

During Criswell’s three seasons in Chapel Hill, he was the backup for Sam Howell and Drake Maye. Although he had good moments, taking the starting job from two eventual NFL quarterbacks was nearly impossible.

During those three years at UNC, Criswell completed 18 of his 31 pass attempts for 204 yards and one touchdown.

He would then spend one season at Arkansas, going 17 for 27 on pass attempts for 143 yards and three touchdowns.

Quarterback Competition

Criswell now joins a competition for the starting role next fall. Before today, Conner Harrell and Max Johnson were battling for that spot.

Harrell started in last season’s bowl game and showed flashes of what he could be. Harrell was also impressive in the spring game just this month.

Johnson transferred in from Texas A&M. He was a highly touted recruit who started his college career at LSU. This past season, he threw for 1,452 yards and nine touchdowns.

Criswell will now make the room even more competitive. The battle for the starting job will be interesting to track.

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