North Carolina QB Jacolby Criswell Announces Departure: “I’m Leaving With No Delay”
In a shocking development, North Carolina quarterback Jacolby Criswell announced his departure from the program, stating, “I’m leaving with no delay.” The decision, which comes as the Tar Heels prepare for the final stretch of the offseason and spring practices, has left fans and analysts speculating about the reasoning behind Criswell’s announcement and what it means for the future of North Carolina football.
Criswell broke the news on social media, posting a heartfelt message thanking the Tar Heels coaching staff, teammates, and fans for their support during his time in Chapel Hill. However, he made it clear that his decision to leave was final and immediate.
“After much thought and consideration, I’ve decided it’s time for me to move on from the University of North Carolina. This was not an easy decision, but it’s what’s best for my future as a player and a person. I’m leaving with no delay to begin the next chapter of my journey. Thank you, Tar Heel Nation, for everything.”
Criswell’s post was accompanied by a highlight reel of his time with the program, showcasing his athleticism, arm strength, and leadership on the field.
Jacolby Criswell, a highly touted four-star recruit from Morrilton, Arkansas, joined the Tar Heels in 2020 as part of head coach Mack Brown’s efforts to build a powerhouse program. Known for his dual-threat ability, Criswell was expected to compete for the starting quarterback job early in his career.
However, Criswell found himself behind standout quarterback Sam Howell during his first two seasons. After Howell departed for the NFL, Criswell faced stiff competition from Drake Maye, who ultimately secured the starting role in 2022 and has since emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in college football.
Despite limited playing time, Criswell showcased flashes of his potential in relief appearances. His athleticism, strong arm, and ability to extend plays made him a fan favorite, and many believed he could eventually become a starter if given the opportunity.
Criswell’s decision to leave “with no delay” suggests a sense of urgency to find a new opportunity where he can compete for a starting role. With the transfer portal providing a pathway for players to explore other programs without sitting out a season, Criswell likely sees this as the ideal time to make a move.
Sources close to the program have indicated that Criswell wants to maximize his final years of eligibility and believes he can make an immediate impact elsewhere. With Drake Maye firmly entrenched as North Carolina’s starter, Criswell’s chances of seeing significant playing time in Chapel Hill appeared slim.
As a talented and experienced quarterback, Criswell is expected to draw significant interest from programs across the country. Several schools are in need of a dynamic signal-caller, and Criswell’s skill set makes him an attractive option.
Some potential landing spots include:
- Arkansas: Returning to his home state could be a natural fit. Arkansas has seen success with dual-threat quarterbacks under head coach Sam Pittman, and Criswell could provide depth or even challenge for the starting role.
- Auburn: With a new coaching staff under Hugh Freeze, Auburn is looking to rebuild and could use a proven playmaker like Criswell to jumpstart their offense.
- Florida State: The Seminoles have emerged as a rising force in the ACC but still have questions about quarterback depth. Criswell’s experience in the conference could make him a valuable addition.
- Ole Miss: Lane Kiffin’s high-powered offense could be a great match for Criswell’s skill set, offering him a chance to thrive in a quarterback-friendly system.
Criswell’s departure leaves North Carolina with a thinner quarterback depth chart, but the Tar Heels remain in good hands with Drake Maye at the helm. Maye’s performance in 2022 solidified him as one of the premier quarterbacks in the nation, and his return for another season ensures stability at the position.
Behind Maye, however, the Tar Heels will need to rely on less experienced options. True freshman Tad Hudson, a four-star recruit in the 2024 class, will likely see increased reps during spring practices as the coaching staff evaluates his readiness to serve as Maye’s backup.
Criswell’s decision highlights the challenges of roster management in the modern era of college football. The transfer portal has become a powerful tool for players seeking new opportunities, but it also forces programs to adapt to sudden departures.
For Criswell, this move represents a chance to reignite his career and fulfill his potential as a starting quarterback. For North Carolina, it’s a reminder of the importance of depth and development at every position.
Jacolby Criswell’s departure marks the end of a chapter in Chapel Hill, but it’s clear that his story is far from over. As he begins the next phase of his journey, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see where he lands and how he performs in a new environment.
For now, Criswell leaves with gratitude for his time at North Carolina and optimism for the future. Wherever he goes, his talent and determination are sure to make an impact.