As North Carolina wraps up its 2025 football season, one name worth a closer look is sophomore offensive lineman Aidan Banfield-a player whose year was defined by flashes of promise, a tough injury break, and a redshirt opportunity that just slipped through his fingers.
Banfield opened the season as UNC’s starting left guard and held that spot through the first four games. He logged 185 total offensive snaps-97 in pass protection and 88 in the run game-all at left guard.
But after suffering an injury during the Tar Heels’ loss at UCF, his season took a turn. He didn’t return to the offensive line after that, but he did appear on special teams later in the year, which ultimately cost him a redshirt.
Here’s the key: NCAA rules allow players to retain a redshirt if they appear in four games or fewer. Banfield had played in four offensive games.
But when he stepped in for three special teams snaps on the field goal/PAT unit during UNC’s win at Syracuse, that became his fifth game. Just like that, the redshirt was off the table.
From a performance standpoint, Banfield’s season was a mixed bag-but not without encouraging signs. His overall Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade came in at 61.5, placing him 13th among UNC offensive players. Not elite, but considering he was just a sophomore and only played four full games, there’s meaningful context behind those numbers.
Let’s break it down game by game:
- TCU: Banfield’s debut wasn’t the smoothest. He graded out at 47.0 overall, with a 45.6 in run blocking and 44.9 in pass protection.
It was a tough matchup, and it showed.
- Charlotte: This is where things clicked. Banfield posted a strong 76.7 overall grade, including a 76.2 in the run game and an impressive 80.9 in pass protection.
He looked comfortable, confident, and in control-exactly what you want from your interior lineman.
- Richmond: Solid, if not spectacular. Banfield earned a 63.1 overall grade, with a 59.4 in run blocking and an 83.5 in pass protection. That pass pro number is no joke-it was one of the best on the team that week.
- UCF: Unfortunately, this is where his season came to an abrupt halt. Banfield managed just 11 run-blocking snaps and 17 in pass protection before exiting with an injury. His grades dipped to 52.6 overall, with a 51.8 in run blocking and 46.0 in pass pro.
Looking at the full picture, Banfield’s pass protection was the stronger part of his game. He allowed just one sack, one QB hit, and three hurries across his 97 pass-blocking snaps.
That adds up to five total pressures and a pass protection efficiency of 94.3%-a solid number for a young lineman still finding his footing. Even more impressive?
He didn’t commit a single penalty all season.
As a run blocker, Banfield was part of both zone and gap schemes-logging 28 zone run snaps and 52 gap run snaps. His best work came in the Charlotte game, where he was a key part of opening lanes and holding the point of attack.
All 185 of his offensive snaps came at left guard, a position that demands both strength and quick processing-especially in a system like UNC’s that mixes run concepts and asks linemen to move. Banfield showed flashes of being that kind of player, even if the injury cut his momentum short.
The missed redshirt stings, no doubt. That extra year of eligibility could have been valuable down the road.
But Banfield’s early-season reps gave coaches and fans a glimpse of what he can bring to the table when healthy. If he builds on the highs from Charlotte and Richmond-and shores up the consistency-he’s got the tools to be a long-term anchor on UNC’s offensive line.
The next step? Rehab, recovery, and a full offseason to get back to form. If Banfield can stay healthy, don’t be surprised if he’s back in the starting lineup next fall, ready to pick up where he left off-and then some.