Players North Carolina Should Target in Transfer Portal

The North Carolina Tar Heels' roster has been weakened by the transfer portal, with still two weeks left before it officially opens. After compiling the 12th-best recruiting class this offseason, North Carolina has lost over 15 players, who have announced their departure from Chapel Hill, through the portal.

The 2026 college football transfer portal officially opens on Jan. 2, with several difference makers available on the open market.

While speaking with the media during National Signing Day, general manager Michael Lombardi explained the importance of roster construction by acquiring players in the transfer portal.

Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Richmond Spiders head coach Russ Huesman talks to North Carolina Tar Heels general manger Michael Lombardi and head coach Bill Belichick before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

"I think we’re going to spend a lot of time on every position and evaluate every position correctly, and then understand where we need to go forward," Lombardi said. "And certainly, Travis Burgess. Obviously, he missed most of his senior season with his injuries, so that has to play into account."

"So, we’re going to make decisions with what we think is the best interest of our program moving forward, based on the total realm of what we think is needed for our team," Lombardi said. "And we don’t really know what is going to happen tomorrow, because the portal doesn’t open up until January."

With all that being said, here are a couple of players the Tar Heels should identify as targets to add in the transfer portal.

RB - Hollywood Smothers

Nov 15, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; NC State Wolfpack quarterback CJ Bailey (11) hands off the football to running back Hollywood Smothers (3) during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

One of the key departures this offseason was running back Davion Gause, who entered the transfer portal earlier this month after a disappointing 2025 season. The sophomore running back rushed for 258 yards and three touchdowns on 61 attempts.

The Tar Heels possess a couple of options to fill the void, with Benjamin Hall and Demon June, but each player is an unknown commodity at this point.

Adding Smothers would be a homerun move for North Carolina, as the junior running back rushed for 939 yards and six touchdowns on 160 carries (5.9 yards per carry). Not only would it elevate the Tar Heels' offensive production, but Smothers also played at North Carolina State the last two seasons. The 5-foot-10, 194-pound running back would be staying in-state, staying close in Chapel Hill.

EDGE - Chaz Coleman

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) makes a pass against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the first half of the college football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. | Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

This is more of a bet on pure potential, as Coleman will be entering his sophomore season in 2026. The former Penn State pass rusher was a True Freshman Midseason All-American, totaling eight tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries in nine games played.

Coleman is a raw player, but under Steve Belichick's tutelage, the 6-foot-3, 246-pound pass rusher could take his game to new heights next season.

Please follow us on X when you click right HERE! Please make sure you follow us today on our Facebook page when you click right HERE!

Never again miss one major story related to your beloved Tar Heels when you sign up for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes straight to your email with the latest news. SIGN UP HERE NOW