Nick Starcevic brings veteran fullback grit to UNC’s backfield
In the 2026 season, Nick Starcevic enters North Carolina as the projected starter at fullback, bringing a classic hard-nosed, team-first profile rather than flash plays. UNC notes he missed spring practice after an appendectomy, so availability and conditioning are worth monitoring, but the bigger value here is his role: a blocking-oriented back who helps stabilize the run game and adds physicality in short-yardage situations. ESPN’s listed stat line is minimal, which fits the mold—he’s more about leverage, toughness, and doing the dirty work than piling up touches, and that can be a sneaky-good fit for a team wanting a dependable lead blocker.
