One of the main priorities for Bill Belichick, Michael Lombardi and the UNC football program during the transfer portal window will be to replenish the team's depth at the linebacker position.
While North Carolina has already hosted a former UConn standout, this position group needs more than one addition. The Tar Heels have their eyes set on a few prospects at the position, including former Syracuse standout Derek McDonald.
According to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, McDonald has scheduled two visits, one of which will bring him to Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Syracuse linebacker Derek McDonald has set visits to North Carolina and Northwestern, his agent @AJ_Calabro tells @mzenitz. https://t.co/dZZw5ti42V
— 247Sports Transfer Portal (@247SportsPortal) January 2, 2026
More on Derek McDonald
The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder from Georgia has been enrolled at Syracuse since 2021. After redshirting in what would've been his true freshman year, McDonald found his way into the starting lineup in 2022, quickly becoming a force for the Orange's defense that was one of the top-25 ranked defenses in the country.
Mostly as a starter, McDonald appeared in every game during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, but unfortunately was limited to three games in 2025 due to a season-ending hip injury. Over his 1,469 career snaps, he has recorded 173 tackles, showing how active he's been at the linebacker position for the Orange.
McDonald recovered a fumble and recorded six tackles in the UNC football program's matchup with Syracuse during the 2023 season, a game in which the Tar Heels secured a 40-7 victory.
Family ties
McDonald has a family connection to the University of North Carolina, as his player profile on Syracuse's website indicates that his mother, Nina, ran track for the Tar Heels.
One concern
Coming off a season-ending hip injury, you have to be a little concerned with his overall health, especially considering that he missed time during what ended up being his redshirt freshman season due to injuries.
However, if he's able to stay healthy, he seems to be just what the UNC football program is looking for, a guy with a ton of experience (especially within the ACC) who has something to prove as he returns from injury.