There’s very little to be excited about regarding the North Carolina Tar Heels’ current football season, which continues Saturday with a 12 p.m. kickoff against preseason ACC favorite Clemson.
UNC (2-2) won comfortably against Charlotte and Richmond, proving it can beat the teams it should. North Carolina struggled against Power 4 competition in TCU and UCF, though, throwing its ability to beat quality opponents into question.
Several individual players are taking advantage of their newfound starting roles, though, including safety Will Hardy. On Tuesday, Hardy earned himself a spot on the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Watch List.
This award is given to a player who best exemplifies leadership, both on and off the football field. If you recognize the name Jason Witten, he is one of the NFL’s best all-time tight ends, earning 11 Pro Bowl selections during his 187-year career.
Through four games, Hardy has 15 tackles (10 solo) to his name. Hardy’s best game came during the Tar Heels‘ Week 4 loss at UCF, as he led his teammates with eight tackles (seven solo).
Congratulations to @willhardy_5 for being named to the Watch List for @JasonWitten Collegiate Man of the Year!
🔗: https://t.co/wsPdQAkCpOpic.twitter.com/Y8tvWqn1ZS
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) September 30, 2025
Hardy’s next task will be leading UNC’s inconsistent defense on Saturday against Clemson (1-3), which enters Kenan Stadium off a 13-point loss to Syracuse at home. North Carolina limited Charlotte to three points and Richmond to 199 yards in victories, but allowed TCU and UCF to combine for over 900 yards in losses.
Hardy is just one of a few returners on the Tar Heels’ revamped defense, but a productive one nonetheless. Can Hardy further elevate his game – and lead UNC to a couple more wins?
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC football’s Will Hardy named to Jason Witten Award Watch List
