The transfer portal has its flaws, but the one good thing about it is that it allows student-athletes to explore their options, especially when circumstances change at their current school.
Jaydon Young wasn't alone in entering his name into the portal following the firing of Hubert Davis, as he has every right to see what's out there while also contemplating whether or not he sees himself as a fit with new head coach Michael Malone at North Carolina.
Now that he's had some time to explore his options, Young has made a decision on his future.
Jaydon Young withdraws his name from the transfer portal
North Carolina guard Jaydon Young will withdraw his name from the transfer portal and return to the Tar Heels next season, he told @On3. https://t.co/Fw9c6fw53L pic.twitter.com/NeNliKOeTg
— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) April 10, 2026
As first reported by On3's Joe Tipton, Young has officially withdrawn his name from the transfer portal, indicating that he plans to return to North Carolina for his senior season.
Young was used in a variety of roles throughout his first season at his dream school, being utilized mostly in a reserve role. There was a stretch of the season where he made four consecutive starts, being among the starting unit even though his minutes still didn't increase.
While his overall numbers took a major hit from what he accomplished at Virginia Tech prior to making his way to Chapel Hill, Young served as a player that Hubert Davis could rely on in spurts to provide a spark. Often, especially down the stretch, Young was called upon to provide a defensive boost, filling in when the Tar Heels experienced foul trouble or simply needed to give guys a breather.
Young now becomes the second player from last year's squad to commit to returning for the 2026-2027 season. Luka Bogavac was the first to announce his intention to stay in Chapel Hill, while a handful of others (such as Henri Veesaar and Jarin Stevenson) haven't yet revealed their plans.
Keeping Young, a guy who loves the University of North Carolina, in town is a great step in the right direction as Malone and the Tar Heels build out next year's roster. While he isn't a star name, he's still a very capable rotation player who could be valuable in a reserve role as he embarks on his senior season.
You know what they say: the grass ain't always greener. However, you can't fault Young, or any other Tar Heels from last year's team, from exploring what's out there. Fortunately, Young realized Chapel Hill is home, as the hope is more of his former teammates elect to follow his lead back to UNC.