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Former Badgers Qb Shines In 1st Start With New Team, Gets Win Vs. Big 12 Team

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DUBLIN, IRELAND - AUGUST 29: Billy Edwards Jr #9 of the University of North Carolina attempts to throw for a first down during the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Aviva Stadium on August 29, 2026 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The college football season started on Saturday morning, with the UNC Tar Heels taking on the TCU Horned Frogs in the Aer Lingus Classic to kick off the 2026 season in Ireland.

UNC, led by Bill Belichick, found its way to a 15-10 win, with a couple of former Badgers leading the way, including quarterback Billy Edwards, who threw for 232 yards and 8.3 yards per attempt in the win.

With the run game struggling (90 yards, 3.1 yards per carry), the Tar Heels needed some plays from Edwards, who led a 73-yard field-goal drive, a 70-yard touchdown drive, and another 70-yard drive that led to a missed field goal.

Former Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Trech Kekahuna also started the slot. He caught three passes for 38 yards, but had a costly fumble near midfield as halftime was nearing.

It wasn’t the prettiest game for Edwards and Co., but UNC got off to the right track with a key win over TCU, and they’ll start the season 1-0.

Next up, Edwards and the Tar Heels will face East Tennessee State at home in two weeks, with the game being aired on ACC Network.