Bill Belichick, an eight-time Super Bowl champion, signed a five-year contract with the North Carolina Tar Heels in December 2024, marking his first college coaching role after nearly 50 years in the NFL. With 333 career NFL wins, second only to Don Shula, he brings credibility to a UNC football program that has struggled for decades.
Belichick quickly made an impact, securing 28 recruits for the 2025 class, including four-star quarterbacks Bryce Baker and Au’Tori Newkirk and 18 transfers like linebacker Khmori House.
His NFL pedigree and commitment to a pro-style program have created excitement, though some players left during the transition. With strategic hires like his son Steve as defensive coordinator, Belichick aims to turn UNC into a college football powerhouse.
Who’s Transferring Out of UNC?
WR Christian Hamilton
Wide receiver Christian Hamilton, a redshirt sophomore, committed to West Virginia on April 20, 2025, after entering the transfer portal. The Harrisburg, North Carolina, native played at Hickory Ridge High School. At UNC, he didn’t see much playing time, catching just three passes for 24 yards in 2024. With three years of eligibility left, Hamilton is hoping for a bigger role at West Virginia.
CB DeAndre Boykins
Cornerback DeAndre Boykins, a redshirt junior, committed to Coastal Carolina on April 19, 2025. He’s from Concord, North Carolina, and went to Central Cabarrus High School. During his time at UNC, he mostly played on special teams, with seven tackles in 2024. He has two years of eligibility left and is looking for more playing time at his new school.
QB Ryan Browne
Quarterback Ryan Browne, a redshirt sophomore, committed to Purdue on April 18, 2025. He played high school football at Milford Academy in New York. At UNC, he played in just one game in 2024, completing 2 of 3 passes for 14 yards. With three years of eligibility remaining, Browne wants a fresh start and a chance to compete for a starting job at Purdue.
Who’s Transferring Into UNC?
WR Dayton Sneed
Wide receiver Dayton Sneed, a redshirt sophomore, joined UNC on April 22, 2025, after transferring from Tennessee. He’s from Hermitage, Tennessee, and went to Donelson Christian Academy. Sneed didn’t have any catches in 2024 but still has three years of eligibility. He adds depth to the wide receiver group in Belichick’s new offense.
RB Benjamin Hall
Running back Benjamin Hall, a redshirt sophomore, transferred to UNC from Michigan on April 21, 2025. He’s from Kennesaw, Georgia, and went to North Cobb High School. In 2024, he ran for 353 yards on 80 carries as a backup. With three years left to play, Hall gives UNC another strong option in the backfield.
QB Gio Lopez
Quarterback Gio Lopez, a redshirt sophomore, transferred to UNC from South Alabama on April 17, 2025. He’s from Madison, Alabama. In 2024, he threw for 2,314 yards, 17 touchdowns, and six interceptions, leading his team to a 6-7 season. With three years of eligibility, Lopez will compete for the starting job at UNC.
K Rece Verhoff
Kicker Rece Verhoff, a redshirt junior, joined UNC from Marshall on April 17, 2025. He’s from Columbus Grove, Ohio. Last season, he made 12 of 16 field goals and 37 of 38 extra points. With two years of eligibility left, Verhoff adds consistency to UNC’s kicking game.
P Jacob Horvath
Punter Jacob Horvath, a redshirt sophomore, transferred to UNC from Eastern Illinois on April 17, 2025. He’s originally from Melbourne, Australia. In 2024, he averaged 41.2 yards per punt. Horvath brings three years of eligibility and helps solidify UNC’s special teams.
WR Adrian Wilson
Wide receiver Adrian Wilson, a freshman, transferred to UNC from Colorado on April 17, 2025. He’s from Pflugerville, Texas, and went to Weiss High School. He had two catches for 18 yards in 2024. With four years of eligibility, Wilson adds speed and potential to UNC’s wide receiver group.
KEEP READING: UCLA Football Transfer Portal: Latest Updates on Who’s In and Who’s Out
LB Mikai Gbayor
Linebacker Mikai Gbayor, a redshirt senior, joined UNC from Missouri on April 16, 2025. He’s from Irvington, New Jersey. In 2024, he totaled 48 tackles, three sacks, and one interception. With one year of eligibility left, Gbayor brings experience and leadership to the Tar Heels’ defense.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
