Jacolby Criswell, a former four-star recruit, is returning to UNC after a stint at University of Arkansas, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported Tuesday morning. He's the tenth transfer addition for UNC this offseason and the second during the spring transfer portal window following Ole Miss defensive tackle transfer Joshua Harris.
Transfer quarterback Jacolby Criswell, who last played at Arkansas for the 2023 season, has committed to transfer to North Carolina, per ESPN sources. Criswell started his career at UNC, playing from 2020-22, and will have two seasons of eligibility remaining. pic.twitter.com/SPhIhgIcB9
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 30, 2024
Despite already-existing competition for the starting quarterback position, UNC head coach Mack Brown has been open about his search for another signal-caller in the portal.
During Criswell's three seasons at UNC, he played in 14 games, throwing for 204 yards with a 58 percent completion rate. After transferring to Arkansas for the 2023 season, he had less playing time. Criswell appeared in just four games, though he showed efficiency with a 63 percent completion rate, three touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Although Criswell has yet to make his own announcement aside from a few reposts from his personal X account, it's clear his decision to return to UNC may have been influenced by the competition at his position at Arkansas and the opportunity for more playing time in North Carolina. Additionally, Brown's past statements about honesty with transfer recruits suggest a transparent approach to addressing the competition at the quarterback position in Chapel Hill.
The Tar Heels now have a 3-way quarterback competition heading into summer practice between veteran fifth-year transfer Max Johnson, sophomore Conner Harrell and Criswell.
