- Maye will also skip Duke's Mayo Bowl. His team will play West Virginia
- He is widely considered one of the top prospects in this year's NFL Draft
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North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye is entering the NFL draft and will not play in Duke's Mayo Bowl for the Tar Heels against West Virginia.
May announced its decision in a social media post on Mondayending his UNC career, which included two years as a starter, putting up productive numbers and making himself one of the most sought-after prospects in the NFL.
The school also announced that All-ACC linebacker Cedric Gray, receiver Devontez “Tez” Walker, offensive lineman Corey Gaynor and defensive lineman Myles Murphy will all enter the NFL draft. Of that group, only Murphy will play in the bowl game.
“We would like to thank these young men for all they have contributed to Carolina football during their time with the program,” coach Mack Brown said in a statement.
'It has been a joy to watch them grow and blossom, both on and off the pitch.
North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye has declared for the 2024 NFL Draft
Maye will opt out of playing in the Tar Heels' upcoming bowl game against West Virginia
He is widely considered one of the top prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft
“We wish them nothing but the best and look forward to watching them represent UNC as they move on to the next chapters of their careers.”
Maye's decision is hardly a surprise, as Brown said in November that he “absolutely” felt Maye would declare for the draft with high draft potential.
Maye held back on such announcements, though he spoke with some finality after the team's double-overtime victory over rival Duke in what turned out to be its final home game.
The 6-foot-4, 230-pound third-year sophomore ended his career with a lopsided loss at rival North Carolina State, in which Maye suffered an ankle injury, among other injuries.
But Maye returned for another drive, despite being clearly obstructed as he walked along the sideline, saying afterward that he “wanted to get back out there with the boys and not leave them out there.”
Maye was named the Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year for the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2022 in his first full season as a starter, throwing for 4,321 yards and 38 touchdowns while running for 698 yards and seven additional scores. He led UNC to the ACC title game that year.
Things haven't been quite as easy this year, though Maye still ranked second in the Bowl Subdivision in total offense (338.1) and eighth in passing (300.7).
The move means Conner Harrell will take over the quarterback role for UNC against West Virginia, with the redshirt freshman making four appearances in relief — including the loss to NC State — behind Maye.