North Carolina backup QB Conner Harrell enters transfer portal

North Carolinaquarterback Conner Harrell, who started games this season while remaining primarily in a backup role, entered the transfer portal Wednesday morning.

Harrell announced his departure Tuesday on social media, posting that he has two years of eligibility left. After backing up Drake Maye in 2023, he opened the season as the team's No. 2 quarterback. When Max Johnson broke his leg in the opener at Minnesota, Harrell stepped in and then started the team's next two games, while sharing time withJacolby Criswell.

UNC eventually went with Criswell as its starter for the rest of the regular season. Harrell, a three-star recruit from Alabama, finishes his North Carolina career with 552 passing yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions in 10 games.

After Maye opted out of the 2023 Duke's Mayo Bowl to prepare for the NFL draft, Harrell started in his place and had 199 passing yards, a touchdown and two interceptions in a loss to West Virginia.