First-Team All-Patriot League pass rusher commits to North Carolina

Donovan Hoilette is a defensive lineman who spent the last five seasons playing for Richmond. He has decided to use his final season of college eligibility to test his talents against higher-level competition, as he has committed to Bill Belichick and the UNC football program.

Hoilette stands at six-foot-four and weighs 245 pounds. His production shows he can be a disruptive presence in the backfield, applying pressure on quarterbacks and helping stop the run.

The newest Tar Heel finished the 2025 season being named to the First Team All-Patriot League thanks to his strong stat line, which included 48 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a blocked field goal. He was also credited with 27 hurries and 8 QB hits.

The West Palm Beach, Florida native aims to bolster the defensive line unit for the Tar Heels, joining other transfer commits like Tarvorise Brown (Florida) and Jaylen Harvey (Penn State). His addition gives the UNC football program an experienced, high-production pass rusher who can make an immediate impact up front.

We saw what the Tar Heels coaching staff got out of the likes of Melkart Abou-Jaoude and Tyler Thompson a season ago. The hope is that the staff can get the same type of production from its newcomers, especially Hoilette, who brings a ton of experience with him to Chapel Hill.

More information on the Transfer Portal:

The Transfer Portal window is open from January 2nd through January 16th. Unlike recent seasons, this will be the only window. There will not be a second window in the spring.

Transfer Portal Tracker

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