CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) – A familiar name from the quarterback position is returning to Chapel Hill next season.
Former Arkansas quarterback Jacolby Criswell has committed to North Carolina after beginning his college career with the Tar Heels, according to a report from ESPN.
He played 11 games in three years during his first stint at UNC, throwing for 204 yards while completing 58% of his passes. Criswell transferred to Arkansas after losing the starting quarterback battle to Drake Maye prior to the 2022 season.
Criswell, who originally signed with UNC as a four-star prospect out of Arkansas in the 2020 class, only spent one season with the Razorbacks. The 6-foot-1, 230-pound quarterback took the field in four games in 2023, racking up 143 passing yards and three touchdowns with a 63% completion rate.
He enters the program as a compelling alternative for the UNC staff with the starting quarterback job up for grabs this fall. Texas A&M transfer Max Johnson started during the spring game.
Meanwhile, returning quarterback Conner Harrell also brings experience to the table after starting in the Tar Heels’ 30-10 loss to West Virginia in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. He finished the game throwing 18-for-27 for 199 yards with two interceptions and one touchdown.
Criswell will have two years left with his college eligibility.