The post-Drake Maye era for the UNC football program is starting to take shape.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Tar Heels received their first commitment out of the transfer portal: quarterback Max Johnson, who previously played at both LSU and Texas A&M.

As a redshirt junior who played during the 2020 season, Johnson will have two years of eligibility in Chapel Hill. In addition, as a graduate transfer, Johnson will be immediately eligible to play despite being a multi-time transfer.

Johnson’s most prolific season as a passer came in 2021 while at LSU, when the then-sophomore totaled 2,815 yards, 27 touchdowns and just six interceptions. Injuries cut short his first season with the Aggies in 2022, and Johnson began 2023 as Texas A&M’s backup. After the Aggie starter was lost for the season in September, Johnson stepped in and started the next five games before suffering an injury himself. Johnson finished 2023 with 1,452 passing yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions.

Johnson will join a UNC quarterback room which will likely be losing at least two players. Drake Maye is likely to declare for the NFL Draft, and third-stringer Jefferson Boaz has already declared for the transfer portal. Second-stringer Conner Harrell, sophomore Russell Tabor and first-year prospect Tad Hudson are the other quarterbacks on Carolina’s roster.

The transfer portal does not open until after this weekend, so Johnson will not sign as a Tar Heel until next week at the earliest.

 

Featured image via Associated Press/LM Otero

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