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After a lengthy battle from North Carolina to earn WR Tez Walker eligibility for the 2023 season, the NCAA has given the Kent State transfer the green light to suit up.

Walker’s eligibility remained a mystery even after the start of the regular season. It wasn’t until a few days passed following North Carolina’s Week 2 win vs. Appalachian State that the NCAA deemed the 22-year-old would not be allowed to compete.

But in a statement released Thursday, the NCAA said new information was presented that grants Walker the right to play for the Tar Heels this year.

The situation gained notoriety due to the NCAA’s questionable handling of Walker’s transfer, waiting until after the season was underway to sideline him. Then, North Carolina head coach Mack Brown’s public criticism of the NCAA brought even more attention.

North Carolina’s ACC Championship, College Football Playoff odds with Tez Walker available

DraftKings Sportsbook lists North Carolina at +750 to win the ACC Championship, tied with Louisville and trailing Florida State and Miami. At FanDuel Sportsbook, you’ll find +1400 odds to make the College Football Playoff.

Walker balled out for Kent State in 2022, catching 58 passes for 921 yards and 11 touchdowns. Tez led the MAC in receiving scores and ranked second in yardage.

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound WR provides a massive target for Drake Maye. North Carolina’s offense has flourished without Walker, and more dominance is expected with the possible NFL Draftee now available.

247Sports reports that Walker has stayed with the team as a practice squad player, and Tez has been tearing it up as a scout teamer. Defensive players credit Walker with keeping them sharp, as they’re not used to facing premier talent on the practice squad.

The Tar Heels’ 35 points per game ranks fifth in the ACC. Maye also promises to be a highly-touted NFL Draft prospect and has 1,187 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions.

UNC has already notched three victories over power-five opponents, beating South Carolina, Minnesota, and Pittsburgh. The undefeated Tar Heels are fortunate to avoid a regular-season showdown with No. 5 Florida State.

But the Tar Heels have tough matchups with No. 17 Miami, No. 19 Duke, and Clemson still on schedule. Adding Walker to North Carolina’s lineup provides an explosive playmaker for Maye, making the Tar Heels a serious threat to Florida State’s ACC hopes.

Depending on the Tar Heels’ record, winning the ACC could be enough to earn a College Football Playoff berth. The last time an ACC school was represented in the CFP was the 2020 season when Clemson fell short against Ohio State in the semifinal.

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