During Criswell's first collegiate season in 2020, he completed three of his four passes for 16 yards and an interception, while also rushing for 26 yards.[3]
In 2021, Criswell played in four games, making one start. On the season, he would complete 13 of his 21 pass attempts for 179 yard and a touchdown, while also adding 68 yards and a score on the ground.[4] In week twelve of that season, Criswell saw the most action of his career to that point. Against Wofford, Criswell made his first collegiate start, filling in for Tar Heel starter Sam Howell, who was dealing with an injury.[5] He completed 11 of his 19 pass attempts for 125 yards, and ran the ball five times for 66 yards and a touchdown, playing in the first half of the Tar Heels' 34-14 win. [6]
Following Howell's departure for the NFL, Criswell and Drake Maye competed to be the Tar Heels' next starting quarterback. After losing the starting job to Maye, Criswell again saw limited action in 2022. He went two for six on his passing attempts for nine yards, and rushed for 39 yards on four carries. He entered the transfer portal following the season.[7]
Arkansas
After entering the portal, Criswell transferred back to his home state of Arkansas, to play for the Arkansas Razorbacks.[8] Again serving as a backup, Criswell completed 17 of his 27 passing attempts for 143 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding 44 yards on the ground. After the conclusion of the season, Criswell entered the NCAA transfer portal.[9][10]
North Carolina (second stint)
Criswell transferred back to North Carolina after one season at Arkansas.[11] He returned to Chapel Hill during the summer, and joined the quarterback competition with Max Johnson and Conner Harrell. Johnson won the starting position in training camp, but was injured and ruled out for the season against Minnesota, moving both Harrell and Criswell up the depth chart following the game.[12]
After backing up Harrell against Charlotte, the two split time the following week against NC Central, with Criswell completing 14 of his 23 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown in a win.[13] Heading into the Tar Heels' matchup versus James Madison, Criswell was named the team's starting quarterback.[14][15] During his start versus Jamed Madison, Criswell threw for 475 yards and three touchdowns but also threw two interectpions, as the Tar Heels lost 70-50.[16] His 475 passing yards were third most in a single game in Carolina football program history. Criswell started the next week also, against rivals Duke, going 21 for 39 with 251 passing yards and two touchdowns. He threw a game-sealing interception on the final possession, as the Tar Heels fell 21-20.[17]
In his fifth start of the season, Criswell got his first win. Against rivals Virginia, Criswell and the Tar Heels cruised to a 41-14 victory, ending a four-game losing streak in the process. He threw for 293 yards and two touchdowns in the win.[18] Criswell and the Tar Heel offense continued their momentum the following week, notching another win against FSU. Criswell had an efficient game against the Seminoles, completing 13 out of the 17 passes he threw for 211 yards and a touchdown as the Tar Heels won 35-11.[19]
