Once a Tar Heel, always a Tar Heel. And so, while UNC star Amare Campbell entering the transfer portal stings, that statement rings true for the linebacker.
The Manassas, Virginia native put together a stellar sophomore campaign last season for North Carolina. With senior All-ACC edge-rusher Kaimon Rucker battling injuries and sidelined for over half of the season, Campbell stepped up big time.
Campbell left his fingerprints all over the field every game, contributing to winning in a multitude of ways. Last season for UNC, he was tied for second in both total tackles (76) and sacks (6.5). That stat line speaks volumes to Campbell’s versatility, along with his ability to be a true game breaker for opposing offenses.
Campbell is set to visit Penn State next weekend, as reported by Pete Nakos, Transfer Portal Reporter for On3 Sports.
North Carolina linebacker Amare Campbell will visit Penn State next weekend, a source tells @On3sports.
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) April 27, 2025
Campbell totaled 76 tackles and 6.5 sacks last season.https://t.co/wMrfFrdlE6 pic.twitter.com/rQhohwZSEj
Penn State is certainly an intriguing potential destination for the 6-foot, 230-pound rising junior. In the first ever expanded, 12-team 2024-2025 College Football Playoff, Penn State was the No. 6 seed, winning two games and losing in the semi-finals to eventual runner-up Notre Dame. The Nittany Lions are certainly a college football powerhouse.
Obviously, the Tar Heels will have a lot of production to replace with Campbell out the door. Fortunately, North Carolina Head Coach Bill Belichick has already hit the portal hard for linebackers and edge-rushers.
Former Washington linebacker Khmori House should help fill the void. House had a very promising freshman campaign with 33 total tackles, four passes defended, a forced fumble and an interception in nine games. He received high praise from 247 Sports, ranking as their No. 72 overall transfer and their No. 3 linebacker. There should be good reason to believe that House can take a big sophomore jump as well. Coach Belichick also brings in former Missouri linebacker, Mikai Gbayor, who ranks as the No. 6 linebacker. Ironically enough, UNC also brings in two Penn State edge-rushers, Joseph Mupoyi and Smith Vilbert, along with Delaware edge Melkart Abou-Jaoude.
Although losing Campbell is a big blow to the UNC defense, it’s encouraging seeing that Coach Belichick had a plan for moving forward and made strong additions. Stay tuned for any more news on Campbell’s transfer portal activity. It’s safe to say, whichever program lands Campbell is getting a stud. Best of luck.