ACC Quarterback Announces Return for 2025 Season After Serious Injury

North Carolina Tar Heels' quarterback Max Johnson is not done playing football following a gruesome leg injury suffered in the season-opening win against Minnesota in Week 1.

Johnson, a fifth-year senior, spent the last four seasons with LSU and Texas A&M before transferring to Chapel Hill during the offseason. The former four-star recruit took the keys of the offense following the departure of No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye in the 2024 NFL draft.

Johnson underwent successful surgery for a broken right leg following UNC's 19-17 win. Considering the nature of the injury and the length of his playing career to this point, it was unclear if Johnson would elect to give it another go next season.

The Athens, Georgia, native answered that question on Friday in a statement to ESPN's Pete Thamel.

“I have a lot of football left in me, and know I will be back out there next year,” he said .

Johnson completed 12-of-19 passes for 71 yards with an interception and a rushing touchdown before being carted off the field against the Golden Gophers. He was replaced by sophomore Conner Harrell, who completed 2-of-4 passes for 34 yards to close the game out. UNC won following a missed field goal by Minnesota in the final seconds.

The Tar Heels have some breathing room this week with a non conference home matchup against Charlotte. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET (ACC Network).

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