North Carolina’s college football landscape is undergoing significant changes following a challenging 6-6 season. The Tar Heels have made headlines by parting ways with long-time coach Mack Brown and bringing in legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick. This transition is stirring excitement but also uncertainty among fans and players alike. With the team gearing up for a bowl game against UConn, the focus has shifted to the players navigating the transfer portal.
UNC Transfer Portal Tracker: All players who have entered the portal
As the Tar Heels prepare for their upcoming bowl battle, several players have opted to enter the transfer portal, seeking new opportunities. Here’s a breakdown of those players and their journeys.
Travis Shaw, DL
A standout recruit from the 2022 class, Travis Shaw came to UNC with high expectations as a five-star defensive tackle. However, his on-field production has not matched the hype. Over three seasons, he has recorded 51 tackles and five tackles for loss. Despite showing flashes of potential with 22 tackles and three TFLs in 2024, Shaw is looking for a fresh start with one season of eligibility remaining.
Conner Harrell, QB
Conner Harrell has spent three seasons with the Tar Heels, redshirting in 2022. His experience includes limited action in the last two seasons, where he threw for 560 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions. With two years of eligibility left, Harrell is exploring new opportunities to showcase his skills.
Noah Burnette, K
As a reliable veteran kicker, Noah Burnette has been a consistent performer for UNC over three seasons. He has successfully converted 49 of 62 field goal attempts and made 137 of 139 extra point tries. Despite a slight dip in performance in 2024, Burnette remains a dependable option with one year of eligibility remaining.
Caleb Hood, RB
After four seasons with the Tar Heels, Caleb Hood is also entering the portal. His most productive year was in 2022, where he rushed for 250 yards. Overall, he has accumulated 393 rushing yards and three total touchdowns. Hood will have one season of eligibility left as he seeks a new home.
Jordan Louie, RB
In his two seasons at UNC, Jordan Louie has had limited opportunities, recording just one carry for no yards. With three years of eligibility remaining, Louie is looking for a program where he can make a more significant impact.
Garrett Jordan, LS
Garrett Jordan, a long snapper, has seen limited action during his two seasons at Carolina. He will have three years of eligibility left at his next destination, providing a solid option for teams in need of a specialist.
Jakaiah Leftwich, OT
Jakaiah Leftwich comes with a wealth of experience, having started his college career at Georgia Tech. He played in 17 games over two seasons there before transferring to UNC, where he played in eight games, starting once. Leftwich has one season of eligibility left and will be looking to make an impact elsewhere.
Howard Sampson, OT
Howard Sampson has shown significant growth during his time at UNC, transitioning from a minimal role at North Texas to starting all season at left tackle for the Tar Heels in 2024. He is committed to Texas Tech and will have two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Andrew Rosinski, OT
A freshman lineman from Georgia, Andrew Rosinski did not see any action this season. He has decided to transfer to Georgia Tech, where he will have all four years of eligibility ahead of him.
Zach Greenberg, OL
Zach Greenberg is an interesting case, having started his career at Division III Muhlenberg College, where he earned all-conference honors. After spending a year at UNC as a reserve, he will have one year of eligibility remaining as he seeks a new opportunity.
Eli Sutton, OL
Eli Sutton, a four-star prospect upon his arrival at UNC, struggled to find playing time, appearing in only four games over four seasons. He will have one year of eligibility left as he looks to revive his college career elsewhere.
Withdrawn Players
Interestingly, not all news from the transfer portal is about departures. Kobe Paysour (WR), Aidan Banfield (OL), Austin Blaske (OL), and Amare Campbell (LB) have all entered the portal but have chosen to return to UNC. Their decisions could provide a much-needed boost to the Tar Heels as they navigate this transitional period.
As North Carolina football faces a pivotal moment, the influx of players entering the transfer portal raises questions about the future of the program. With the hiring of Bill Belichick, fans are eager to see how this will influence the team’s direction and player retention. What do you think about UNC’s portal losses? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!
