After being redshirted in 2001, McIntosh started six games at strongside linebacker as a freshman. He played his first college game on August 31, 2002, in a win over Florida A&M University. On September 21, 2002, he started a college game for the first time and recorded four tackles (three solo) and two stops for losses in the win over Boston College. McIntosh had a season-high ten tackles (six solo) and a tackle for a loss in the win at the West Virginia University. On January 3, 2003, he played in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl (the 2002 BCS National Championship Game, as part of the Bowl Championship Series) and recorded eight tackles (two solo), including two for losses. The Hurricanes lost to the Ohio State Buckeyes 31–24 in double overtime. In his first season, McIntosh recorded 43 tackles (24 solo), eight tackles for a loss, one forced fumble and two pass break ups.
