“I am my own person”: Criswell aims to reshape narrative upon return to UNC football
Jacolby Criswell is poised to carve out his own path.
After spending three seasons on UNC’s sidelines behind star quarterbacks Sam Howell and Drake Maye, Criswell sought more playing opportunities and transferred to Arkansas. However, his season with the Razorbacks didn’t unfold as expected, appearing in only four games and totaling three touchdowns and 143 passing yards.
With the transfer portal reopening, Criswell made the decision to return to his original home. As of May, he rejoined the brotherhood he cherishes, once again wearing Carolina Blue. Above all, he is determined to showcase what he’s capable of after four seasons of waiting in the wings.
“Now, it’s my turn,” Criswell emphasized. “My goal is to excel, regardless of what Sam and Drake achieved. I’m forging my own path.”
Entering the transfer portal in April, Criswell swiftly returned to North Carolina upon receiving an offer from the Tar Heels. During his tenure at UNC, the graduate quarterback appeared in a total of 18 games, marking his collegiate passing debut in his sophomore year. He accumulated 204 passing yards and 133 rushing yards over his career.
In the months leading up to his decision to return, Criswell met with some of his former teammates. As he deliberated whether to come back amid another quarterback competition involving sophomore Conner Harrell and graduate Max Johnson, Criswell received unanimous encouragement from all his teammates—they wanted him back.
Their sentiment echoed what Criswell had realized during his time at Arkansas: the bonds he shares with his former teammates are unparalleled.
“You can’t find that same camaraderie anywhere else,” Criswell remarked.
Beyond his relationships with teammates, Criswell acknowledges that winning football games is paramount. He is eager to compete and aims to elevate North Carolina to new heights not previously achieved by the program.
“I believe my throwing arm is one of the best in the country, without a doubt,” Criswell affirmed. “This is my strength, and I won’t let it go to waste.”
This summer, Criswell has immersed himself in the playbook. While the offense remains similar to when he left, he is adapting to Offensive Coordinator Chip Lindsey’s adjustments and finding his role within the system.
Nevertheless, Criswell’s ultimate aspiration is to finish his collegiate career at UNC and pursue a path to the NFL. He emphasizes that returning to North Carolina aligns with his dreams, and he is fully committed to competing vigorously against Harrell and Johnson.
“I’m a competitor,” Criswell asserted. “No matter how many setbacks I face, I know my capabilities.”
Even if he doesn’t secure the starting position, Criswell is thrilled to reunite with teammates and coaches he started his career with. His focus this season is on winning as many games as possible alongside the individuals who motivated his return.
“Regardless of who plays, I have confidence that we’ll achieve great success,” Criswell concluded. “That’s what matters most in football.”
