Tar Heels Have FCS Grassroots Who Could Make Immediate Impact

North Carolina's roster is filled with former FCS standouts, especially on defense, who could make a resounding impact in 2026.

Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick on the field before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The North Carolina Tar Heels went through numerous changes to their roster once again this offseason, only this time, an influx of true freshmen makes up a significant portion as fall camp continues.

Head coach Bill Belichick wants to make sure his program does not repeat the same shortcomings it had last fall, when debacle after debacle and one embarrassing performance after another were a consistent theme. This year, the roster has improved, specifically on offense, after finishing the 2025 season with the 126th-ranked scoring offense.

FCS Becomes New Portal Destination for Belichick

Jul 17, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick, talks with the media during interviews at Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

In the transfer portal, Belichick added players from a handful of Power Four and Group of Six conferences. Yet, the new additions from the FCS make up a chunk of the Tar Heels' portal class, showcasing the future Hall of Famer's interest in standout players from the lower subdivision.

Offensively, North Carolina added two high-end FCS standouts from last season: wide receiver Mason Humphrey (Lehigh) and right guard Andrew Threatt (Charleston Southern). Both players are expected to start this season, with Humphrey becoming a serious threat as a pass-catcher for the offense alongside star wideout Jordan Shipp. This is a fascinating combination that should bode well for whoever starts at quarterback this season.

Aug 30, 2024; West Point, New York, USA; Lehigh Mountain Hawks wide receiver Mason Humphrey (82) makes a leaping catch on a pass against the Army Black Knights during the first half at Michie Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Threatt is already expected to be one of the top players on the team this season, thanks to his versatility and discipline for the position group. It gives North Carolina comfort they didn't have last season along the front five. Not to mention, starting center Christo Kelly (Holy Cross) enters his second year in the program.

Belichick's defense is where several other former FCS standouts are expected to thrive. Before Delaware made the jump to the FBS, Melkart Abou Jaoude was a force multiplier for the Blue Hens and did the same when he transferred to Chapel Hill last fall, becoming an All-ACC pass rusher with 10.5 sacks.

Jul 17, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina defensive lineman Melkart Abou Jaoude, talks with the media during interviews at Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Opposite him in the rotation is Richmond Spiders edge rusher Donovan Hoilette, who is expected to have an immediate role, while Spiders linebacker Peyton Seelmann is coming off a season with roughly 120-plus tackles.

If Acquisitions Are Successful, Belichick Should Keep Combing the FCS

Jul 17, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick with the media during interviews at Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It is amazing to see how Belichick is identifying quality talent from the FCS and stashing them on the roster. These are the types of additions that could fly under the radar and provide the Tar Heels with great players who could help turn around a program that is in desperate need of one.

The question remains whether this group of FCS transfers can handle jumping into competition to become the players they're expected to be on both sides of the ball. So far, Humphrey and Seelmann have made an impression on the coaching staff, which is a good sign for Week 1 against TCU.

Oct 28, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of a North Carolina Tar Heels helmet on the field before a game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Should UNC football show a significant increase in consistency, production, and wins with these former FCS players making immediate contributions, it could open the door for Belichick to continue combing the subdivision for the next set of gems.