North Carolina QB Drake Maye enters draft, will skip bowl game

Field Level Media|published: Mon 11th December, 18:57 2023

Nov 25, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10) throws a pass against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during the first half at Carter-Finley Stadium. credits: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

Drake Maye is entering the 2024 NFL Draft after three years at North Carolina.

Maye is considered one of the top quarterbacks and overall prospects in the college game and could be in the mix for the No. 1 pick.

Maye made 26 starts across 2022 and 2023 and compiled a 17-9 record as a starter. He has thrown for 8,018 yards, 63 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in his college career. He ranks fourth all-time in North Carolina history in passing touchdowns and fifth in passing yards.

"This is the best decision for me and my future," Maye told ESPN. "It was my lifelong dream to play quarterback at North Carolina, and I get a chance to check off another dream and play quarterback in the NFL."

Maye told ESPN he will skip the Tar Heels' bowl game, the Duke's Mayo Bowl against West Virginia, in order to begin preparing for the draft.

Maye received Heisman Trophy votes last season, placing 10th as he finished the season with 4,321 yards, 38 touchdowns and only seven picks.

North Carolina fell from the rankings this season after a 6-0 start gave way to an 8-4 record at the close of the regular season. Maye threw for 3,608 yards, 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions over 12 games.

—Field Level Media