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Max Johnson starts at quarterback for UNC vs. Minnesota

Wade-Peeryby:Wade Peery•08/29/24
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Grant Halverson / Stringer PhotoG/Getty

Many college football fans were intrigued to see who the starting quarterback for the UNC Tar Heels would be on Thursday night against Minnesota. And shortly before kickoff, Allison Williams of FOX relayed the information that Max Johnson will start for UNC on Thursday evening.

It sounds like the ‘Heels will also use backup quarterback Conner Harrell. UNC head coach Mack Brown noted both quarterbacks will get playing time throughout the 2024 campaign earlier in the offseason.

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So far, it’s been a struggle for both offenses in the game. Johnson has completed just 2 of 6 passes for 10 yards so far. He did have a nice 16-yard run in the second quarter. Johnson also managed to find the end zone when he dove from a few yards out on a run. He threw a costly interception to Justin Walley midway through the second quarter to give the Golden Gophers excellent field position (inside the 10-yard line).

Minnesota ended up capitalizing and tying the game up 7-7 with 7:35 left in the first half, thanks to a five-yard touchdown run from Marcus Major. They tacked on another touchdown with less than a minute left in the first half to go up, 14-7.

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Johnson spent two years with LSU and two years with Texas A&M. In 2020 with LSU, Johnson completed 58.7% of his passes for 1,069 yards, while tossing in eight touchdowns with one interception. In 2021, he had his best year in Baton Rouge, completing 60.3% of his passes for 2,815 yards, while tossing in 27 touchdowns with six interceptions. Johnson’s best year at Texas A&M came in 2023, when he completed 62.1% of his passes for 1,452 yards, while tossing in nine touchdowns with five interceptions.

When he committed to the ‘Heels in the portal, he explained why he decided to go with UNC. “First off, what stood out to me about UNC is the past relationship I’ve had with Coach Lindsey. They have put out many NFL quarterbacks in the last couple of years. They have a great team coming back and I’m excited about being there,” Johnson explained.