Drake Maye, Former UNC Star, Reaches Super Bowl with Patriots

Mack Brown, Maye's former coach, believes the young QB will become one of the best to ever play the game.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 11:15am

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Drake Maye, the former North Carolina quarterback, will play in his first Super Bowl next week after being drafted by the New England Patriots in 2024. Maye's former coach at UNC, Mack Brown, always believed Maye had the potential to reach the NFL's biggest stage, telling scouts that Maye was a "Super Bowl guy" who would "win a Super Bowl." In his two seasons with the Patriots, Maye has already established himself as one of the league's top young quarterbacks.

Why it matters

Maye's rapid rise to the Super Bowl in just his second NFL season is a testament to his talent and potential. As one of the youngest quarterbacks to ever reach the Super Bowl, Maye's success could inspire other young players and shows that the Patriots' decision to draft him in the first round was a wise one.

The details

Maye finished his three-year career at North Carolina with 62 touchdowns and 8,018 passing yards. Under Brown's coaching, the Tar Heels went 17-10 with Maye as the starting quarterback, including an appearance in the ACC Championship Game in 2022. In his first season with the Patriots, Maye posted a league-best completion percentage and was recognized as an MVP finalist.

  • Maye was drafted by the Patriots in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
  • Maye will play in his first Super Bowl on February 8, 2026.

The players

Drake Maye

The starting quarterback for the New England Patriots, who is making his first Super Bowl appearance in just his second NFL season.

Mack Brown

The former head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, where he coached Maye before the quarterback was drafted by the Patriots.

Bill Belichick

The current head coach of the New England Patriots, who drafted Maye in the first round in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“I told scouts when they would come through that he's a Super Bowl guy, He'll win a Super Bowl. I didn't know he was going to have a chance to be the second-youngest guy to ever do it.”

— Mack Brown, Former Head Coach, North Carolina Tar Heels

“I think Drake has the upside right now that, I hope he wins this one, if he doesn't, then there's another Super Bowl out there for Drake. I think Drake will go down not only being one of the best that I've ever coached, but one of the best to ever play.”

— Mack Brown, Former Head Coach, North Carolina Tar Heels

What’s next

The Patriots and Seahawks will face off in Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8, 2026.

The takeaway

Drake Maye's rapid rise to the Super Bowl in just his second NFL season is a remarkable achievement, and his former coach Mack Brown's belief in his potential has been validated. Maye's success could inspire other young players and solidify the Patriots' decision to draft him in the first round as a wise one.