By R.L. Bynum
There will be 31 Tar Heels at NFL training camps that open in the coming days, including nine projected starters, several players who have changed teams and four rookies.
Some will report this week, and all will be in camps by Tuesday, July 28. Here’s a rundown of the former UNC players in camps, with some secure in their spots and others fighting to make rosters. See the full list below the story, but here’s a rundown:
The projected starters
Drake Maye, New England Patriots quarterback
Maye enters his third season as the unquestioned starter after a run to the Super Bowl, where he finished as the AP MVP runner-up behind the Rams’ Matthew Stafford.
Maye threw for 4,494 yards with 31 touchdowns against 8 interceptions last season. Heading into camp, Maye is looking past the offseason noise around Coach Mike Vrabel and toward a Week 1 rematch with Seattle.
“I think it’s a chance for us to get some extra motivation during training camp,” Maye said in May. “You know, starting off with the bang like that, a chance to get an opponent that left a bad taste in our mouth.”
He’s standing behind his coach through his turbulent offseason, calling Vrabel “a great human being,” and adding, “I think he’s done a great job of talking to us and talking us through it. II love playing for him.”
Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers running back
The 2025 first-round pick is stepping into the lead role after a rookie season cut short by an ankle fracture, in which he still ran for 545 yards and four touchdowns in nine games.
Coach Jim Harbaugh has made clear he expects a breakout.
“Man of few words,” Harbaugh said of Hampton. “He’s got places to be, people to see, things to do. I respect it. But when I do have a conversation with him, I see a smile, and when I watch the tape, I smile.”
First-year offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, who built Miami’s run game the last four seasons, is expected to lean on Hampton early and often.
Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys running back
Williams parlayed a career year, 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns on 4.8 yards per carry, into a three-year, $24 million extension.
Coach Brian Schottenheimer has become one of his biggest backers, calling him the team’s “bell cow” last season.
“He is very mature. He’s very smart,” offensive coordinator Klayton Adams told The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov in June. “I’m really into guys who are great teammates, and that dude is a great teammate.”
For his part, Williams isn’t dwelling on the new contract.
“Just to build on last year,” he said of his 2026 goals, “try to be a better version of myself than I was last year, stay healthy throughout the whole season, and just win games.”
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
With Michael Pittman Jr. gone to Pittsburgh, Downs moves up the depth chart into a larger role in his fourth season. He’s already established himself as former Duke quarterback Daniel Jones’ preferred target under pressure, ranking third in the NFL in that category last season according to Pro Football Focus.
Downs has praised Jones’ recovery from a broken leg and torn Achilles.
“DJ’s a savage, I’ll say that,” Downs said in May. “He’s a guy who has played with a broken leg and tore his Achilles, sadly. He’s been in there countless hours working this offseason; he’s been in there every day. First one in, last one out type of guy; he’s doing what he needs to do.”
General manager Chris Ballard has compared Downs’ instincts to Colts legend T.Y. Hilton.
“There’s some T.Y. in there,” Ballard said. “Instinctively, there’s some T.Y.”
Cedric Gray, Tennessee Titans linebacker
Gray heads into his third season with a firm hold on a starting inside linebacker spot after finishing fifth in the NFL in total tackles (94 tackles, 65 assists) as a first-time starter in 2025.
He’s making the transition from Dennard Wilson’s scheme to new head coach Robert Saleh’s defense, and former Titans general manager Ran Carthon, who drafted Gray in 2023, said the move suits him.
“For Cedric Gray, it’s about, again, now you have to reset and put yourself, you know, he’s only known Dennard’s way, and now he’s going to come in and learn Saleh’s way, learn what Saleh wants to do, which I think will help him,” Carthon said.
Mack Hollins, New England Patriots wide receiver
Hollins returns as a starter for a second season in Foxborough after playing 68% of the Patriots’ offensive snaps in 2025, more than any other receiver on the roster, before a lacerated spleen sidelined him for the final two regular-season games.
Coach Mike Vrabel, during the Patriots’ run to the Super Bowl, has praised both his production and his presence in the locker room.
“He has an energy to him,” Vrabel said. “I’ve always appreciated his willingness to learn what we’re doing but also be a leader for some of the younger guys.” Vrabel added in December, “Mack brings a great spirit to work every day. He’s a great teammate.”
Mike Hughes, Atlanta Falcons cornerback
Hughes enters his ninth NFL season and third with the Falcons as the starting cornerback opposite A.J. Terrell, a role he’s held since signing a three-year, $18 million deal in 2025. That happened after doctors once told him he’d never play again following a broken vertebra in his neck.
British Brooks, Houston Texans fullback
Brooks moves into a first-string role in his third NFL season after totaling 17 carries for 787 yards (20 longest) and 10 special-teams tackles and assists combined in 2025.
Tez Walker, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver
Walker is projected to take over as the starting right wide receiver entering his third NFL season, after totaling six catches for 136 yards and three touchdowns in a limited 2025 role.
Players changing teams
Nine former Tar Heels changed teams this offseason, either by trade or free agency.
Sam Howell, Dallas Cowboys quarterback
After not playing a down for the Philadelphia Eagles last season, Howell signed a one-year deal in March after earlier stops in Seattle and Minnesota, joining a room that already includes Dak Prescott, Joe Milton and Will Grier.
“It’s been great, getting in the building and getting to know everybody,” Howell told DallasCowboys.com in March. “Dallas was my team growing up, so it’s a dream come true to be here and to be a Dallas Cowboy.”
He’s also spoken about learning behind Prescott.
“I have a lot of respect for Dak,” Howell said. “He’s been a tremendous player in this league. He’s someone I have a lot of respect for.”
Mitchell Trubisky, Tennessee Titans quarterback
Trubisky left Pittsburgh to reunite with offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, whom he played for in Buffalo in 2021, and to serve as a mentor to Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft.
“My job is to come out here and work,” Trubisky said in June. “I know it is a mentor-type role, me being in Year 10 and Cam being in Year 2. My job here is to help Cam as much as possible to be the best player he can possibly be.”
Trubisky called the decision to leave Buffalo difficult but worthwhile.
“It was a tough decision, but in the end I felt like it was right for me and my family just to take this opportunity to come and really reunite with Dabes and Shea,” he said, referring to Daboll and quarterbacks coach Shea Tierney.
Dyami Brown, Washington Commanders wide receiver
Brown returns to Washington, where he played his first three seasons, after one season in Jacksonville, having caught 23 passes for 220 yards in 2025.
Michael Carter, Tennessee Titans running back
Carter arrives after a season with Arizona in which he rushed for 331 yards and added 267 receiving yards.
Ty Chandler, New Orleans Saints running back
Chandler hopes for more chances with the Saints after limited action in Minnesota last season, and figures into New Orleans’ return game as well as its backfield.
Charlie Heck, Miami Dolphins offensive lineman
Heck moves into a second-string right tackle role after a season with Tampa Bay that saw him play primarily on special teams.
Amari Gainer, New England Patriots linebacker
Gainer joins Maye, Hollins and the Patriots after a season with Las Vegas, entering camp as a fourth-string inside linebacker.
Tomon Fox, Los Angeles Rams linebacker
Fox signed with the Rams after a season with the Giants in which he recorded five tackles in nine games.
Jahvaree Ritzie, Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle
Ritzie hopes to get more of a chance in Minnesota after spending last season on New England’s practice squad.
The rookies
Four former Tar Heels are entering their rookie NFL seasons this summer.
Marcus Allen, Minnesota Vikings cornerback
Allen is in camp as the third-string right cornerback after a senior season at UNC in which he recorded 29 tackles, seven assists, two tackles for loss, half a sack, and eight passes defended in 12 games.
Austin Blaske, Los Angeles Rams center
Blaske enters as the third-string center after appearing in nine games during his final season with the Tar Heels.
Thaddeus Dixon, New York Giants cornerback
Dixon’s rookie season is already over before it started. He suffered a torn Achilles during rookie minicamp in May and is on season-ending injured reserve. At UNC in 2025, he posted 13 tackles, six assists, two tackles for loss, and six passes defended in seven games.
Smith Vilbert, Minnesota Vikings defensive end
Vilbert joins Allen in Minnesota’s camp as the third-string defensive end after collecting 11 tackles, 11 assists, six tackles for loss, one sack, two passes defended, and two fumble recoveries in 12 games at UNC.
Other Tar Heels
Rounding out the Tar Heels in camp: Alijah Huzzie (Houston, second-string nickelback), Joshua Ezeudu (New York Giants, offensive tackle), Willie Lampkin (Philadelphia, guard/center), Bryson Nesbit (Minnesota, tight end), Asim Richards (New Orleans, second-string left tackle), Kaimon Rucker (Baltimore, linebacker), M.J. Stewart (Houston, safety) and Chazz Surratt (Seattle, linebacker).
All of the teams with UNC players play their first preseason games the weekend of Aug. 13–15.
Tar Heels in NFL camps
Marcus Allen, Minnesota Vikings cornerback
Age 22 | 6–1, 197 | rookie NFL season | UNC 2022–25
Roster situation — Third string right cornerback
2025 statistics (UNC) —12 games, 29 tackles, 7 assists, 2 tackles for losses, 0.5 of a sack, 8 passes defended
Camp opens — Sunday
Preseason opener — 1 p.m. Aug. 15 at New York Giants
Season opener — 4:15 Sept. 13 vs. Green Bay, CBS
Austin Blaske, Los Angeles Rams center
Age 24 | 6–5, 310 | rookie season | UNC 2024–25
Roster situation — Third-string center
2025 statistics (UNC) —9 games
Camp opens — Saturday
Preseason opener — 4 p.m. Aug. 15 at Kansas City, NFL Network
Season opener — 8:35 Sept. 10 vs. San Francisco in East Melbourne, Australia, Netflix
British Brooks, Houston Texans running back
Age 26 | 5–11, 225 | third NFL season | UNC 2018–23
Roster situation — First-string fullback
2025 statistics —13 games, 17 carries, 787 yards (20 longest); 5 special-teams tackles, 5 special-teams assists
Camp opens — Tuesday, July 28
Preseason opener — 8 p.m. Aug. 13 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 vs. Buffalo, CBS
Dyami Brown, Washington Commanders wide receiver
Age 26 | 6–0, 195 | sixth NFL season | UNC 2018–20
Roster situation — Second-string left wide receiver
2025 statistics (Jacksonville) — 17 games, 7 starts, 23 catches, 220 yards (39 longest), 9.9 average, 1 TD, 1 fumble (lost); 5 carries, 26 yards (9 longest); 4 kickoff returns, 106 yards (31 longest)
Camp opens — Tuesday, July 28
Preseason opener — 7 p.m. Aug. 13 vs. Miami
Season opener — 4:25 Sept. 13 at Philadelphia, Fox
Michael Carter, Tennessee Titans running back
Age 27 | 5–8, 201 | sixth NFL season | UNC 2017–20
Roster situation — Fourth-string running back
2025 statistics (Arizona) — 14 games, 5 starts, 92 carries, 331 yards (22 longest), 1 touchdown; 33 catches on 39 targets, 267 yards (18 longest); 1 kickoff return, 27 yards; 1 tackle
Camp opens — Tuesday, July 28
Preseason opener — 9 p.m. Aug. 13 at San Francisco, NFL Network
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 vs. New York Jets, CBS
Ty Chandler, New Orleans Saints running back
Age 27 | 5–11, 204 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2021
Roster situation — Fifth-string running back; fourth-string kick returner
2025 statistics (Minnesota) — 3 games, 17 carries, 47 yards (5 longest); 3 catches on 4 targets, 11 yards (3.7 average; 11 longest); 1 assist on punt coverage
Camp opens — Tuesday, July 28
Preseason opener — 1 p.m. Aug. 15 at New York Giants
Season opener — 4:25 Sept. 13 vs. Green Bay, CBS
Thaddeus Dixon, New York Giants cornerback
Age 24 | 6–0, 195 | rookie NFL season | UNC 2025
Roster situation — On season-ending injured reserve after suffering a torn Achilles during rookie minicamp in May
2025 statistics (UNC) —7 games, 13 tackles, 6 assists, 2 tackles for losses, 6 passes defended
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
Age 24 | 5–9, 171 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2020–22
Roster situation — Starting slot wide receiver
2025 statistics — 16 games, 11 starts, 58 catches, 566 yards (34 longest), 4 touchdowns; 2 rush, -2 yards; 7 punt returns, 68 yards; 2 tackles
Camp opens — Tuesday, July 28
Preseason opener — 7:30 Aug. 13 at New England
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 vs. Baltimore, CBS
Joshua Ezeudu, New York Giants tackle/guard
Age 26 | 6–4, 310 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2018–21
Roster situation — Third-string left tackle
2025 statistics — Missed season with a severe calf injury suffered during training camp (played 17 games in 2024)
Camp opens — Tuesday, July 28
Preseason opener — 1 p.m. Aug. 25 vs. Minnesota
Season opener — 8:20 Sept. 13 vs. Dallas, NBC
Tomon Fox, Los Angeles Rams linebacker
Age 28 | 6–3, 260 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2016–21
Roster situation — Third-string right outside linebacker
2025 statistics (Giants) —9 games, 5 tackles
Camp opens — Saturday
Preseason opener — 4 p.m. Aug. 15 at Kansas City, NFL Network
Season opener — 8:35 Sept. 10 vs. San Francisco in East Melbourne, Australia, Netflix
Amari Gainer, New England Patriots linebacker
Age 26 | 6–3, 240 | second NFL season | UNC 2023
Roster situation — Fourth-string left inside linebacker
2025 statistics (Las Vegas) —17 games, 3 tackles, 3 assists, 2 solo tackles
Camp opens — Friday
Preseason opener — 7:30 Aug. 13 vs. Indianapolis
Season opener — 8:30 Sept. 9 at Seattle, NBC
Cedric Gray, Tennessee Titans linebacker
Age 23 | 6–2, 235 | third NFL season | UNC 2020–23
Roster situation — Starting weakside linebacker
2025 statistics — 16 games, 15 starts, 94 tackles, 65 assists, 7 tackles for losses, 1 sack for 7 yards, 3 passes defended, 2 quarterback pressures, 1 quarterback hit, 2 special-teams tackles, 2 fumble recoveries
Camp opens — Tuesday, July 28
Preseason opener — 8 p.m. Aug. 13 at San Francisco, NFL Network
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 vs. New Your Jets, CBS
Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers running back
Age 23 | 6–0, 220 | second NFL season | UNC 2022–24
Roster situation — Starting running back
2025 statistics — 9 games, 6 starts, 124 carries, 545 yards (54 longest), 4.4 average, 4 touchdowns; 32 catches, 192 yards (22 longest), 1 touchdown; 1 fumble recovery
Camp opens — Tuesday, July 28
Preseason opener — 8 p.m. Aug. 13 at Houston
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 vs. Buffalo, CBS
Charlie Heck, Miami Dolphins offensive lineman
Age 29 | 6–8, 311 | seventh NFL season | UNC 2015–19
Roster situation — Second-string right tackle
2025 statistics (Tampa Bay)— 18 games, 1 tackle, 701 offensive snaps, 642 special-teams snaps
Camp opens — Tuesday, July 28
Preseason opener — 7 p.m. Aug. 14 at Washington
Season opener — 4:25 Sept. 13 at Los Angeles Raiders, Fox
Cole Holcomb, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker
Age 29 | 6–1, 240 | eighth NFL season | UNC 2015–18
Roster situation — Second-string right inside linebacker
2025 statistics — 12 games, 3 starts, 19 tackles, 11 assists, 1 forced fumble, 5 special-teams tackles, 3 special-teams assists
Camp opens — Tuesday, July 28
Preseason opener — 7 p.m. Aug. 13 vs. Green Bay, NFL Network
Season opener —1 p.m. Sept. 13 vs. Atlanta, Fox
Mack Hollins, New England Patriots wide receiver
Age 32 | 6–4, 221 | 10th NFL season | UNC 2013–16
Roster situation — Starting right wide receiver
2025 statistics — 15 games, 47 catches, 550 yards, 12.0 average, 54 longest, 2 touchdowns
Camp opens — Friday
Preseason opener — 7:30 Aug. 13 vs. Indianapolis
Season opener — 8:30 Sept. 9 at Seattle, NBC
Sam Howell, Dallas Cowboys quarterback
Age 24 | 6–1, 225 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2019–21
Roster situation — Third-string quarterback
2024 season statistics (Seattle Seahawks); didn’t play in 2025 when with Philadelphia — 2 games, 5 of 14, 24 yards, 1 interception, 14.6 passer rating; 1 carry, 2 yards
Camp opens — Tuesday, July 28
Preseason opener — 8 p.m. Aug. 15 at Seattle, NFL Network
Season opener — 8:20 Sept. 13 at New York Giants, NBC
Mike Hughes, Atlanta Falcons cornerback
Age 29 | 5–10, 191 | ninth NFL season | UNC 2015
Roster situation — Starting right cornerback
Season statistics — 12 games, 38 tackles, 11 assists, 1 interception
Camp opens — Tuesday, July 28
Preseason opener — 7 p.m. Aug. 14 vs. Denver
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 at Pittsburgh, Fox
Alijah Huzzie, Houston Texans cornerback
Age 25 | 5–10, 195 | second NFL season | UNC 2023–24
Roster situation — Second-string nickelback
2025 statistics — 2 games, 3 tackles, 1 pass defended, 1 interception, 1 assist on kickoff coverage
Camp opens — Tuesday, July 28
Preseason opener — 8 p.m. Aug. 13 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 vs. Buffalo, CBS
Willie Lampkin, Philadelphia Eagles guard/center
Age 24 | 5–11, 290 | second NFL season | UNC 2023–24
Roster situation — Third-string center
2025 statistics (Eagles) —Didn’t play; went on injured reserve in late August
Camp opens — Tuesday, July 28
Preseason opener — 7 p.m. Aug. 15 at Baltimore
Season opener — 4:25 Sept. 13 vs. Washington, Fox
Drake Maye, New England Patriots quarterback
Age 23 | 6–4, 225 | third NFL season | UNC 2021–23
Roster situation —Starting quarterback
2025 statistics — 17 games, 17 starts, 354 of 492, 4,494 (72 longest), 71.9%, 31 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 47 sacks (201 yards in losses), 113.5 rating; 103 carries, 450 yards (28 longest), 4 touchdowns; 1 two-point conversion run; 3 fumbles (2 lost, 1 recovered)
Camp opens — Friday
Preseason opener — 7:30 Aug. 13 vs. Indianapolis
Season opener — 8:30 Sept. 9 at Seattle, NBC
Bryson Nesbit, Minnesota Vikings tight end
Age 23 | 6–5, 228 | second NFL season | UNC 2021–24
Roster situation — Fifth-string running back
2025 statistics — Spent season on practice squad
Camp opens — Sunday
Preseason opener — 1 p.m. Aug. 15 at New York Giants
Season opener — 4:15 Sept. 13 vs. Green Bay, CBS
Asim Richards, New Orleans Saints offensive lineman
Age 25 | 6–4, 307 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2019–22
Roster situation — Second-string left tackle
2025 statistics — 15 games, 4 starts, 359 offensive snaps, 53 special-teams snaps
Camp opens — Tuesday, July 28
Preseason opener — 4 p.m. Aug. 15 vs. Jacksonville
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 at Detroit, Fox
Jahvaree Ritzie, Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle
Age 23 | 6–4, 294 | second NFL season | UNC 2018–23
Roster situation — Fourth-string defensive tackle
2025 statistics (New England) —Spent season on practice squad
Camp opens — Tuesday, July 28
Preseason opener — 1 p.m. Aug. 15 at New York Giants
Season opener — 4:15 Sept. 13 vs. Green Bay, CBS
Kaimon Rucker, Baltimore Ravens linebacker
Age 24 | 6–2, 265 | second NFL season | UNC 2020–24
Roster situation — Third-string right outside linebacker
2025 statistics — Spent season on practice squad
Camp opens — Tuesday, July 28
Preseason opener — 1 p.m. Aug. 15 vs. Philadelphia
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 at Indianapolis, CBS
M.J. Stewart, Houston Texans safety
Age 30 | 5–11, 205 | ninth NFL season | UNC 2014–17
Roster situation — Third-string free safety
2025 statistics — 9 games, no statistics
Camp opens — Tuesday, July 28
Preseason opener — 8 p.m. Aug. 13 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 vs. Buffalo, CBS
Chazz Surratt, Seattle Seahawks linebacker
Age 29 | 6–2, 233 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2017–20
Roster situation — Third-string weakside linebacker
2025 statistics — 11 games, 4 tackles
Camp opens — Friday
Preseason opener — 8 p.m. Aug. 14 vs. Dallas, NFL Network
Season opener — 8:20 Sept. 9 vs. New England, NBC
Mitch Trubisky, Tennessee Titans quarterback
Age 30 | 6–3, 222 | 10th NFL season | UNC 2014–16
Roster situation — Second-string QB behind Cam Ward
2025 statistics (Buffalo) — 4 games, 25 of 35, 313 yards (37 longest), 4 touchdowns, 1 2-point conversion completion; 9 carries, 6 yards (9 longest)
Camp opens — Tuesday, July 28
Preseason opener — 8 p.m. Aug. 13 at San Francisco, NFL Network
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 vs. New Your Jets, CBS
Smith Vilbert, Minnesota Vikings defensive end
Age 25 | 6–6, 282 | rookie NFL season | UNC 2025
Roster situation — Third-string defensive end
2025 statistics (UNC) —12 games, 11 tackles, 11 assists, 6 tackles for losses, 1 sack, 2 passes defended, 2 fumble recoveries
Camp opens — Tuesday, July 28
Preseason opener — 1 p.m. Aug. 15 at New York Giants
Season opener — 4:15 Sept. 13 vs. Green Bay, CBS
Tez Walker, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver
Age 25 | 6–1, 198 | third NFL season | UNC 2023
Roster situation — Starting right wide receiver
2025 statistics — 11 games, 2 starts, 6 catches, 136 yards (38 longest), 3 touchdowns; 1 tackle, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 2 QB hit, 2 special-teams assists
Camp opens — Tuesday, July 28
Preseason opener — 1 p.m. Aug. 15 vs. Philadelphia
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 at Indianapolis, CBS
Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys running back
Age 26 | 5–10, 220 | sixth NFL season | UNC 2018–20
Roster situation — Starting running back
2025 statistics — 16 games, 16 starts, 252 carries, 1,201 yards (4.8 average; 66 longest), 11 touchdowns; 35 catches, 137 yards (3.9 average; 14 longest), 2 touchdowns
Camp opens — Tuesday, July 28
Preseason opener — 8 p.m. Aug. 15 at Seattle, NFL Network
Season opener — 8:20 Sept. 13 at New York Giants, NBC
Photo via @patriots
