Tar Heels in NFL: Stars sit, others fight for roster spots; Tez Walker solidifies spot as starter

Posted Aug 24, 2026
Week 2 of the NFL preseason brought mixed results for former UNC players. Performances ranged from breakouts to nagging injuries ahead of rosters getting cut to 53 by Sunday. The results carried extra weight for players fighting for depth roles, from Ty Chandler’s showing on special teams in New Orleans to Alijah Huzzie’s active night for Houston. (Tar Heel Tribune)

Related: Football, Tar Heels in the NFL

UNC Safety Greg Smith Is Everywhere
Defensive players don't put points on the board apart from the occasional pick-six or fumble return. But points prevented are just important as points scored,...
Tue Oct 20, 2026

From Syracuse to North Carolina: Derek McDonald Set to Face His Former Team
When North Carolina hosts Syracuse on Saturday night, the matchup will carry extra significance for one of the Tar Heels' defensive leaders. For graduate linebacker...
Tue Oct 20, 2026

Video: IC Podcast - UNC Football Halfway Home
UNC Football sits at 4-2 overall halfway through the 2026 season and has exceeded expectations for nearly everyone that follows the Tar Heel program. Inside...
Tue Oct 20, 2026

Jaylen McGill on the Game Winner vs. Duke, Déjà Vu, and More
UNC running back Jaylen McGill rushed for a touchdown at Wallace Wade Stadium when he was in fifth grade, during the Carolina Bowl, where a...
Tue Oct 20, 2026