Max Johnson issued a statement to ESPN’s Pete Thamel on Friday in which the injured UNC quarterback confirmed his return to Chapel Hill for the 2025 season. Johnson is still currently in Minneapolis after he suffered a broken leg midway through Carolina’s season-opening win at Minnesota on August 29. Johnson will miss the remainder of the 2024 season.

“These last eight days have been a serious grind and it has taken a lot to get to other side and start the recovery process,” Johnson told Thamel. “Thank you to UNC Head Coach Mack Brown, the coaching staff, and trainers who have encouraged and supported me. Thank you to family and friends who have prayed and supported me during this time and ultimately my Lord and Savior that pulled me though.”

The 2025 season would be Johnson’s sixth in college football. He began his career at LSU before transferring to Texas A&M in 2022, where he spent the next two seasons. Because he will use a medical redshirt this season, Johnson still has two years of college eligibility remaining.

“It will be hard to sit on the sidelines, but I have a lot of football left in me and know I will be back out there next year,” Johnson said. In the meantime, I’ll be there every day supporting my teammates and helping out as much as I can. I appreciate all the love and support from the fans. Go Heels.”

In Johnson’s stead, back-up Conner Harrell will start for the Tar Heels when they host Charlotte on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in Kenan Stadium.

 

Featured image via Associated Press/Abbie Parr

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