North Texas head coach Eric Morris announced Tuesday that junior quarterback Stone Earle will start week one against Cal.

Earle, a former three-star recruit from Birdville High School, prevailed in a three-man battle between Louisiana Monroe transfer Chandler Rogers and senior Jace Ruder. The 6-foot, 207-pound quarterback played his first two seasons of collegiate ball at Abilene Christian, seeing significant action in 2021 when he tossed for 1,216 yards and a 13:4 TD-to-INT ratio. He transfered to UNT ahead of the 2022 season and played in spot duty behind veteran quarterback Austin Aune. Morris said Rogers will see action against Cal as well.

It appeared Rogers, a dual-threat signal caller that starred at Mansfield Lake Ridge, had the inside track to the starting job when he transferred in from ULM in January. But Morris did not name a starter as he said he intended to at the conclusion of spring football, and entered the summer with a three-man battle for the first time in his career. Morris praised all quarterbacks for how they handled themselves in fall camp, but specifically highlited the improvements Earle made in accuracy from the spring. 

Now, Mean Green fans will see just how improved Earle is come week one.