UNC's top wide receiver named to preseason Watch List

· Yahoo Sports

Good news: the UNC football program is starting fresh. With an abysmal 2025 in the rearview mirror, North Carolina is ready to charge forward and return to its winning ways.

The Tar Heels will start a new quarterback for the third straight season, with 2026's competition likely coming down to Wisconsin transfer Billy Edwards and Texas A&M transfer Miles O'Neill. Whoever wins the job, he'll be throwing primarily to Jordan Shipp, who quickly rose to become UNC's top pass-catcher.

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Ready to take on an even larger leadership role this fall, Shipp gained some well-deserved preseason recognition on Tuesday, earning himself a spot on the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List.

According to its official website, this trophy honors college football players who lead through community service, while excelling in the classroom and on the field.

Shipp earned All-ACC Honorable Mention in 2025, leading North Carolina with 60 receptions, 671 yards and six touchdowns. Shipp caught a game-high two touchdowns during the Tar Heels' 41-6 blowout of Richmond, while his best yardage output came with 90 yards at NC State.

Entering 2026, Shipp displays a rare combination of loyalty and immediate hunger to improve a program. He entered his collegiate career with Mack Brown, dealt with one coaching change already in Bill Belichick, then withstood numerous questions throughout 2025 about UNC's lack of on-field success.

North Carolina isn't a college football power. The Tar Heels are simply trying to reach bowl eligibility this fall, with hopefully a few surprises in store.

UNC is very lucky to have a leader like Shipp in its locker room. The in-state junior from Charlotte could be exactly what North Carolina needs for success this fall.

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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC's top wide receiver named to preseason Watch List

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