Talk about a bombshell for college football fans! Arkansas tight end Shamar Easter has stunned the college football world by transferring to North Carolina. The former 4-star recruit was one of the hottest names in the transfer portal this spring.
His decision to head to Chapel Hill has left many Razorbacks supporters scratching their heads while Tar Heels fans celebrate. Let’s break down what this unexpected move means for both programs.
Breaking Down Shamar Easter’s Transfer from Arkansas to North Carolina
So, who exactly is Easter? He was the crown jewel of Arkansas’ 2023 recruiting class, ranked as the state’s top recruit and the nation’s No. 10 tight end. At 6’5″ and around 225 pounds, this kid had offers pouring in from Florida, Kansas State, Mississippi State, Texas A&M, and others.
BREAKING: Arkansas TE Shamar Easter has signed with North Carolina, @PeteNakos_ reports🐏https://t.co/kSYG7dYADj pic.twitter.com/LTDbWMp2Gh
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal_) May 7, 2025
But here’s the thing—despite all that potential, Easter barely saw the field at Arkansas. After redshirting his freshman year, he managed just one catch for 16 yards last season.
Frustrated by limited playing time in a crowded tight end room, Easter hit the transfer portal where 247Sports immediately ranked him as the second-best tight end available.
Now he’s headed to North Carolina, where new head coach Bill Belichick (yes, that Bill Belichick) has been rebuilding through the portal.
As Inside Carolina reported, “Arkansas transfer tight end Shamar Easter committed to North Carolina after visiting the school this week. The 6-foot-5, 225-pounder officially visited Chapel Hill on Tuesday. He has three seasons of eligibility available.”
Impact on Both Programs: Winners and Losers in the Transfer Portal Era
For the Tar Heels, this move is a huge win. They desperately needed tight end help, and they’re getting a physical specimen with tons of upside.
Easter’s basketball background gives him that coveted athleticism coaches dream about, and with Belichick’s well-known affinity for versatile tight ends from his NFL days, don’t be surprised if Easter finally breaks out in Chapel Hill.
What’s more, Easter isn’t just a one-year rental—he’s got three full seasons of eligibility remaining. That’s the kind of long-term addition that can transform a position group.
Arkansas, meanwhile, has to be feeling the sting. Losing a homegrown four-star recruit before he even gets a chance to develop is a tough pill to swallow. The Razorbacks now face serious questions about their tight end depth and might need to dip back into the portal themselves.
This transfer perfectly illustrates college football’s new reality. Players no longer wait years for playing time, and programs like North Carolina can rebuild overnight through the portal. For Easter, it’s a fresh start.
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For Arkansas, it’s back to the drawing board. And for college football fans, it’s just another reminder that in the transfer portal era, your team’s roster is never truly settled until kickoff.
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