North Carolina making a strong push to land a Big 12 transfer offensive lineman

When Noah McKinney announced he was entering the transfer portal, it didn't take long for the UNC football program to be linked to this 6-foot-4, 330-pound presence.

In the midst of a breakout season, the program's decision to fire head coach Mike Gundy played a role in McKinney's desire to head elsewhere. Before entering the transfer portal, McKinney ranked as the fourth-best pass blocking Big 12 guard, providing a stable presence for the Cowboys air raid attack.

Now, McKinney is narrowing his options to five programs, including Bill Belichick and the UNC football program.

The Frisco, Texas native has narrowed his recruitment to five schools: Kentucky, North Carolina, Oklahoma, TCU and Virginia. While a decision doesn't appear to be imminent, McKinney is looking to talk to the schools among his list of finalists, so when the time comes in January when the portal opens for business officially, McKinney will already have an idea of where his future home will be.

According to Pete Nakos of On3, McKinney is set to visit Chapel Hill in November. Reading the tea leaves, the UNC football program appears to be serious contenders to land the talented guard, a player who would make an immediate impact along the offensive line unit.

Of course, anything can happen in the world of the transfer portal, but it's safe to say that the Tar Heels have at least made a strong first impression on McKinney. Similar to last offseason, expect Bill Belichick and his staff to be heavily involved on the transfer portal market, especially with regard to adding players along the trenches, as both offensive and defensive line will be an area of need for the program moving forward.

For now, the Tar Heels will continue their pursuit of McKinney, as the hope is that his upcoming visit will help sway him to join the UNC football program to continue his college football career.