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Will Bill Belichick, UNC Football Add More Fifth-Year Players Before 2026 Season?
Rece Verhoff is set to return after a Colorado ruling granted 2022 recruits a fifth season, while the NCAA appeals and Congress weighs new eligibility limits.
On Wednesday, August 5, North Carolina confirmed kicker Rece Verhoff is returning for a fifth season after a Colorado District Court judge issued a preliminary injunction granting eligibility to the 2022 recruiting class.
The ruling impacts athletes who began college in the 2022-23 season under the NCAA's "five-for-five" rule, though the NCAA is currently appealing the decision while Verhoff participates in preseason camp.
Verhoff, an Honorable Mention All-ACC kicker, led North Carolina in scoring last year with 77 points, converting 82.6 percent of his field goals including a 57-yard record-setting kick against Wake Forest.
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick described the situation as "temporary" during Thursday's news conference, saying the team is proceeding with the current ruling despite potential legal challenges ahead.
Congress could soon vote to pass the Protect College Sports Act, which currently lacks a waiver for 2022 graduates; without amendments, Verhoff and other athletes in his class may lose eligibility.