3 Tar Heels To Watch As Transfer Portal Decisions Loom

The speculation on who will be the next coach for the Tar Heels is heating up every day that a new coach isn’t hired, and Carolina basketball may need to start picking up the pace.

On the technical side of things, the transfer portal doesn’t officially open until April 7th, but this doesn’t stop players from announcing their intentions to enter or stay, or what they plan for next season.

Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Jarin Stevenson (15) celebrates after a play against the VCU Rams in the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

While no official moves have been made yet, many players on the roster are Tar Heel fans' prayers not to move when the time comes to announce their positions.

Derek Dixon

The talented freshman has been a question mark lingering all over fans' minds, as there has not been any confirmation that Dixon would stay in Chapel Hill after a Hubert Davis departure. On the other side, there also hasn’t been any confirmation that Dixon is set to leave either.

The scary signs pointing to a potential departure from Dixon are mainly from his ominous Instagram post a week ago. Dixon posted a series of photos with the caption “What a ride”.

Mar 3, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Derek Dixon (3) brings the ball up court against the Clemson Tigers during the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images | Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

If Dixon does decide to leave Carolina, it would be a massive blow for the Tar Heels, who had been relying on a promising sophomore season from Dixon.

Jarin Stevenson

Stevenson’s status is still completely up in the air. While he hasn’t shown any signs of leaving, he also hasn’t shown any signs of returning as well.

Given that he has already transferred once and that Hubert Davis was likely a major reason he ever transferred to play for Carolina in the first place, it wouldn’t be unlikely to see Stevenson hit the portal.

Isaiah Denis

Again, another Tar Heel who has been extremely quiet amid all the shifting in Chapel Hill. No stance on Denis has been provided yet, but it’s hoped that the promising former 4-star recruit would return for his sophomore season.

While having limited playing time in his freshman season, Denis is a player who would likely play an extended, more prominent role if he were to return. Hopefully, his limited court time this past season didn’t leave any sort of bad taste in his mouth that warrants a departure.

All Tar Heel fans are hoping for the best when it comes to talent retention, but it’s going to be almost impossible that we see every member return in the midst of the chaos that is going down in Chapel Hill this offseason.