Week 0 Players to Watch: Will UNC offensive duo get Bill Belichick and the Tar Heels off to a good start against TCU?
Even with only eight FBS games in Week 0, there are still plenty of exciting players to watch.
Week Zero, the preseason before the NFL season, features several exciting matchups and players to watch. The University of North Carolina will take on TCU in Dublin, Ireland, with UNC's quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. set to make his debut in a Tar Heel uniform. Edwards, who transferred from Maryland and Wisconsin, was limited to just two games last season due to a knee injury. He completed 65% of his passes for 2,881 yards, with a 15-to-9 TD/INT ratio, and added five rushing touchdowns.
Another player to watch is Jordan Shipp, UNC's wide receiver, entering his third season with the team. Shipp had 671 yards and six touchdowns on 60 catches last season, and he was among the top two receivers on the roster in 2023. UNC had only two players with more than 200 receiving yards in the 2023 season, making Shipp a key player to watch in the game against TCU.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the ball, TCU will be led by quarterback Jaden Craig, a transfer from Harvard. Craig, who was the Crimson's starting QB for the past two seasons, threw for 5,299 yards with 48 touchdowns and 10 interceptions during that span. He also earned First-Team All-Ivy League honors. Craig, who isn't known for his legs, will likely look to stay in the pocket against the Tar Heels.
In another game, San Jose State will face off against USC. Linebacker Desman Stephens, a sophomore, led the team in tackles last season and will have a new defensive coordinator in Gary Patterson. USC, under coach Lincoln Riley, may not pose much of a threat for USC, but it will be a good first look at Stephens in Patterson's new defensive scheme.
Lastly, UC Santa Barbara will take on Eastern Michigan, where defensive back Bryce Llewellyn is set to make an impact. Llewellyn, who played in all 12 games last season, led the team with 102 total tackles, including two interceptions and four passes defended. While the Eagles may not have championship aspirations, Llewellyn's versatility and strong defensive stats make him a player to watch.
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