Which former Tar Heels are in the USFL and how has league altered rules?

Three former Carolina players and a former UNC head coach are part of the new iteration of the United States Football League, which starts play this weekend with several rule changes. Larry Fedora is the head coach for the New Orleans Breakers, and he’ll coach a player who played for him in Chapel Hill: running back T.J. Logan Jr. The Breakers’ first game is at 4 p.m. Sunday (USA Network) against the Philadelphia Stars and tight end Bug Howard. Anthony Ratliff-Williams is a wide receiver for the Houston Gamblers, whose opener is at noon Sunday against the Michigan Panthers (NBC, Peacock).

Basketball star Ustby kicks up the awe factor with 35-yard field goal

By R.L. Bynum CHAPEL HILL — Carolina fans already knew that Alyssa Ustby was versatile from watching her score, pass, … More

Downs catching intense competition to replace Howell at QB

CHAPEL HILL — There are a lot of questions coming out of spring practice for Carolina but who will be the big-play receiver isn’t one of them. Drake Maye figures to be the favorite to start at quarterback for the Tar Heels in August, but whoever gets the call has the real luxury of throwing to junior wide receiver Josh Downs. Downs showed that big-play prowess again with first-half touchdown receptions of 12 yards from Jacolby Criswell and 38 yards from Maye.

All you need to know about Saturday’s UNC spring football event

Fans will get the chance to watch Drake Maye, the likely successor to Sam Howell at quarterback, as well as talented freshman running back George Pettaway at Saturday’s spring football event at Kenan Stadium. Known this year as the #TyleeStrong Spring Football Game, it’s free to fans. The name is to show support for wide receiver Tylee Craft, who recently was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

Trubisky reportedly to sign two-year deal with Steelers

Mitchell Trubisky reportedly has reached an agreement on a two-year deal with Pittsburgh, where he will likely replace Ben Roethlisberger as the Steelers’ starting quarterback. Trubisky’s competition to take over for the retired Roethlisberger will be Mason Rudolph.

Reports link Trubisky to Giants, where he’d compete ex-Duke QB Jones

Could it be a battle between quarterbacks from Carolina and Duke for the New York Giants’ starting quarterback job? That could be the case if reports are correct.

Fedora to coach USFL’s New Orleans Breakers

Larry Fedora will get another chance to be a head coach in the latest iteration of the United States Football League. Fedora is the head coach of the New Orleans Breakers, one of eight teams for the league that begins play on April 16.

Tar Heels face easier start but challenging schedule as they move on without Howell

Carolina will try to rebound from a losing football season without record-breaking quarterback Sam Howell against a challenging schedule. Announced Monday night, the schedule includes four teams ranked in the final AP Top 25, seven that earned bowl bids and another that made the FCS playoffs.

Tar Heels in NFL: Bernard has most productive game of season for injury-depleted Bucs

The injury-depleted Tampa Bay Buccaneers needed a boost in their playoff opener and got one from Giovani Bernard, who missed the last four games of the regular season with hip and knee issues. Bernard piled up 83 total yards and a touchdown in the Bucs’ 31–15 playoff win Sunday over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Tar Heels in NFL: Williams rushes for 46 yards in season finale; Carter laments frustrating Jets season

The rookie seasons for running backs Javonte Williams and Michael Carter had some big highlights but Week 18 wasn’t one of them. Javonte Williams rushed 12 times for 46 yards and caught two passes for 18 yards in Denver’s 28–24 home loss Saturday to the Kansas City Chiefs.