Every good football team has a strong kicker. On bad teams, strong kickers can also be the most sure-fire ways for points.In 2025, Rece Verhoff led UNC with 77 points. The Marshall transfer converted 19 of 23 field goals attempts, all 20 extra points and nailed a career-long, 57-yarder in a 28-12 loss at Wake Forest.Verhoff played his final collegiate season last year, leaving North Carolina with another major hole on its 2026 roster. That hole filled in Wednesday, with Verhoff announcing his return via a fifth year of eligibility.Verhoff's extra year stems from a recent injunction against the NCAA, allowing student-athletes who graduated high school in 2022 an extra year of eligibility, as long as they didn't enter the transfer portal.The Tar Heels already have LSU transfer Aeron Burrell on their 2026 roster, but he played primarily as a kickoff specialist for the Tigers. UNC also welcomes in two-time, All-State freshman David Green from High Point (N.C.) Christian Academy.Kicker Rece Verhoff is returning to North Carolina.After courts granted a fifth year of eligibility, the All-ACC Honorable Mention is back at practice preparing to play in 2026. Details: https://t.co/L5oyFXMKmKpic.twitter.com/pu0NGv5ZOH InsideCarolina (@InsideCarolina) August 5, 2026Having too many kickers to choose from is a good problem to have, particularly with that position deciding so many close games late. Back in 2016, North Carolina marched into Tallahassee and upset Florida State on Nick Weiler's time-expiring field goal.The Tar Heels didn't lose any 2025 games on missed kicks, but instead via blowouts and costly mistakes late. UNC has a significantly tougher 2026 schedule, starting with a TCU rematch on August 29, so Verhoff's kicks could play a significant factor in close games.Follow us@TarHeelsWireon X (formerly Twitter) and like our page onFacebookto follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinion.This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC's 2025 points leader announces return for 2026 season