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ESPN writer has high praise for UNC football's transfer portal class
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- ESPN writer has high praise for UNC football's transfer portal class
Before you know it, the 2026 college football season will be here. After a dreadful 2025 campaign, the North Carolina Tar Heels are hoping for better fortunes in Year Two under Bill Belichick.
Once again, UNC will shape its current roster through the transfer portal . North Carolina already has a few additions, most notably with quarterbacks Billy Edwards Jr. and Taron Dickens , while linebacker Derek McDonald is a defensive standout to keep your eyes on.
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In his ranking of every college football team's transfer portal class, ESPN's Bill Connelly praised the Tar Heels as "honorable mention," highlighting Belichick's much-improved efforts.
"After a dreadful first portal effort, this was a much more Bill Belichick transfer class, featuring three tight ends and explosive Patriot Leaguers in WR Mason Humphrey (Lehigh) and LB Peyton Seelmann (Richmond)," Connelly wrote. "He also might have found some discount buys in nickel Ade Willie ( Michigan State ) and linebacker Derek McDonald (Syracuse), who were solid but got hurt in 2025.
Looking at stats alone, each of the above four Tar Heels should play major roles this fall. Over his three seasons at Lehigh, Humphrey caught 100 passes for 1,586 yards and 10 touchdowns, filling a major need for North Carolina opposite Jordan Shipp.
Seelmann, who'll be a junior this fall, is the well-rounded defensive producer UNC needs. In his 2025 sophomore campaign at Richmond, Seelmann totaled 120 tackles, five pass deflections, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions (for 67 yards) and a forced fumble.
McDonald, who likely starts at linebacker opposite Seelmann, enjoyed a productive four seasons at Syracuse: 161 tackles (84 solo), 3.5 sacks, three deflected passes, two forced fumbles and an interception (30 yards).
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Willie will play his final season of college football in Chapel Hill, bringing 34 tackles (22 solo) and a pass deflection. The Tar Heels need more lockdown defenders, so can Willie be that guy?
Players can no longer enter the portal, but they can still commit to programs. Will any additional guys join North Carolina?
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC football's 2026 transfer portal class gets strong ESPN review
