The offseason has arrived for the UNC football program, and the action has already gotten underway.
Following a disappointing first season under the direction of Bill Belichick, this will be an extremely important offseason for North Carolina. Expect a lot of movement once again, as the transfer portal will likely play a significant role in the program's 2026 roster building.
While Early Signing Day will be held this week, the Tar Heels will be plenty busy welcoming in the incoming freshman who are part of the large 2026 recruiting haul. Although that is a very important day, the Tar Heels must also be on double-duty, ensuring that some key contributors don't pack their bags to head elsewhere.
Here are 5 players who Bill Belichick and the UNC football program can't afford to lose this offseason, starting with their star wide receiver.
Jordan Shipp
Based on his early comments, it doesn't appear that Jordan Shipp is heading anywhere this offseason.
However, North Carolina must ensure that their leading receiver stays true to his word, as he's a cornerstone player who needs to be retained.
Let's face it: Shipp would have an insane market if he did enter the transfer portal. Teams in the College Football Playoff conversation would be drooling over the opportunity to potentially add him to their offense, and would likely offer a large sum of money to do so.
Our message to the country is this: back off, Jordan Shipp is ours!
Melkart Abou Jaoude
Of all the players that the UNC football program lured in from the transfer portal last offseason, Melkart Abou Jaoude might just be the biggest surprise (in a very positive way).
A transfer from Delaware (and former walk-on), Abou Jaoude burst onto the scene in his first season in Chapel Hill. The Newton, New Jersey native provided the pass rushing the Tar Heels desperately needed, finishing the season with 47 tackes to go along with 10.5 sacks.
Those 10.5 sacks not only ranked him at the top of the UNC football program's leaderboard, but put him within the top 10 nationally.
With one season of eligibility remaining, North Carolina needs to keep him on campus to see what he could accomplish in a second season in Steve Belichick's defensive scheme.
Demon June
Let's take a look at two players stats from their respective freshman seasons at North Carolina.
Player A
13 Games
88 Rushes
401 Yards
6 Touchdowns
6 Receptions
40 Receiving Yards
1 Receiving Touchdown
441 Yards from Scrimmage
Player B
12 Games
84 Rushes
464 Yards
2 Touchdowns
17 Receptions
159 Receiving Yards
1 Receiving Touchdown
623 Yards from Scrimmage
We'll give you a second to guess who these two players are.
Drum roll please.....
Player A is Omarion Hampton.
Player B is Demon June.
Now, we're not saying June is Hampton incarnate, but he has the makings of being the next great running back to run his way through Chapel Hill straight to the NFL. This is a guy who North Carolina should build the offense around for at least the next two seasons, as his trajectory could be very similar to what we've seen from recent Tar Heel backs who have gone on to be among the nation's best.
Khmori House
Following the loss to NC State in the season finale, House didn't seem like it was a guarantee he was staying in Chapel Hill.
After luring him from Washington last offseason (to follow Steve Belichick to North Carolina), the Tar Heels could really benefit from bringing back one of its leaders on the defensive side of the football.
House had a strong sophomore season, essentially doubling his production from his freshman campaign. He led the Tar Heels with 78 tackles, 45 of which were solo, and added a sack, forced fumble and an interception.
The defensive made great strides during the season, becoming a top-30 ranked defense at one point. Bringing back House (while adding pieces around him) will be a step in the right direction for this unit to be even better in 2026.
Bryce Baker
While we didn't see him in game action in 2025, it would be a catastrophe if North Carolina lets Bryce Baker leave without him taking a single snap for the UNC football program.
Even though the plan all along was for him to red shirt, it would've been nice to have seen him in game action at least a bit toward the end of the regular season. Regardless of the decision made not to play him, the Tar Heels should be going into the season with the belief that Baker could be their starter, as he should be a strong candidate to fill the void regardless of who the Tar Heels bring in via the transfer portal this offseason.
Needless to say, fans might riot if Bryce Baker enters the transfer portal.