North Carolina football secured a significant addition to their defensive corps as former Florida State linebacker Timir Hickman-Collins officially signed with the Tar Heels. The Charlotte native returns closer to home after entering the transfer portal in late April, bringing untapped potential and a full slate of eligibility to Chapel Hill.
The 6’0″, 220-pound linebacker spent his freshman season redshirting at Florida State, preserving his complete four-year eligibility window as he makes this move. Hickman-Collins becomes a valuable long term investment for UNC head coach Mack Brown’s defensive rebuilding efforts during an active transfer portal season.
Florida State Transfer Makes Bold ACC Move—What He Brings to North Carolina?
ON3’s Transfer Portal announced the news through social media posting, “BREAKING: Florida State transfer LB Timir Hickman-Collins has signed with North Carolina, @PeteNakos_ reports.”
BREAKING: Florida State transfer LB Timir Hickman-Collins has signed with North Carolina, @PeteNakos_ reports🐏
Read: https://t.co/GxyyF5Rz1o pic.twitter.com/PXiiadLpcf
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal_) May 13, 2025
Despite not recording any game statistics during his brief Seminoles tenure, Hickman-Collins arrives with impressive credentials. The consensus 3-star prospect was ranked as South Carolina’s No. 12 overall recruit and the nation’s 31st best inside linebacker by ESPN during his high school recruitment cycle.
Hickman-Collins joins UNC’s linebacker room as the third addition at the position during the 2025 spring transfer window. His signing addresses depth concerns while providing defensive coordinator a developmental talent with multi-year potential.
The former Seminole standout initially fielded offers from Georgia Tech, Charleston Southern and Charlotte before committing to Florida State. His return to the Carolinas represents a homecoming of sorts, having earned Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas selection and honorable mention all state honors during his prep career.
UNC’s aggressive transfer portal strategy continues to pay dividends with this acquisition. Hickman-Collins becomes the 19th transfer addition for the Tar Heels this spring, reflecting the program’s determination to reload through experienced newcomers.
The linebacker’s four full years of eligibility stands out as particularly valuable in today’s college football landscape where eligibility timelines often become complicated. His untapped potential gives UNC’s coaching staff an opportunity to develop a prospect from the ground up within their defensive system.
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Florida State’s loss becomes Carolina’s gain as Hickman-Collins chose the Tar Heels over competing offers including UNLV. His developmental trajectory will be worth watching as he transitions from scout team participant to potential ACC contributor in Chapel Hill.
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