If you remember UNC’s 2023 football season, you likely remember an electric offense led by two current NFL players.
North Carolina finished its 2023 campaign with an 8-5 (4-4 ACC) record, ending with a 20-point loss to West Virginia in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye finished Second-Team All-ACC, totaling 33 touchdowns and over 4,000 scrimmage yards, while Kent State transfer Devontez Walker gave Maye a valuable replacement at WR1.
On Sunday afternoon, both former UNC standouts played sizable roles for their teams. Maye totaled five touchdowns in the New England Patriots‘ blowout, 45-17 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, while Walker caught the Baltimore Ravens‘ final touchdown in regulation of a 30-23, come-from-behind win over the Atlanta Falcons.
After largely struggling in his first three games to open the 2026-27 NFL season, Maye delivered his second-consecutive strong performance. Maye completed 26 of his 34 passes for 374 yards and four touchdowns, recording his highest single-game completion percentage this fall, while adding 25 rushing yards and another score on seven carries.
26-34 for 374 yards and 5 total TDs for @DrakeMaye2 today 👀 @FedExpic.twitter.com/7L2dnJWHYj
— NFL (@NFL) October 11, 2026
Walker doesn’t play a ton, catching just four passes through four games this season, but made his fourth one Sunday count on a 7-yard strike from Tyler Huntley. Baltimore then converted its 2-point try and won in overtime, giving itself sole possession of first place in a crowded AFC North.
DEVONTEZ WALKER WITH A HUGE TOUCHDOWN. IT’S A TIE GAME! 🤩
📺 Sunday Night Football: Ravens at Falcons on NBC & Peacock pic.twitter.com/lgS94xiANw
Enjoying this article? Support our work with a small crypto donation.— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) October 12, 2026
Maye and Walker won’t play each other in the regular season, but expect to see both their teams in the NFL postseason. It’s always fun seeing former Tar Heels thrive at the next level, which Maye and Walker definitely did on Sunday.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: Tar Heel duo shines in Week 5 NFL action
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