Former UNC football player Tayon Holloway transfers to Louisville

It's safe to say that it was an underwhelming freshman season for Tayon Holloway.

In 10 games the defensive back recorded just 19 tackles and one pass deflection. His most effective game for the UNC football program was in the season opener against South Carolina, a game where he had four total tackles. Although he saw plenty of playing time, Holloway elected to enter the transfer portal, as his next landing spot remains in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

It was a down year for the entire North Carolina defense, as they were a bottom-five statistical defense in the ACC. It was very clear that a change of scenery was needed, and Holloway announced his commitment to the Louisville football program on Wednesday.

Tayon Holloway became the 16th player to transfer to the Cardinals since the portal opened on December 4. Holloway is the third defensive back to transfer to Louisville, following former UCF corner Corey Thornton and former Eastern Illinois safety Blake Ruffin.

Holloway joins a Louisville defense that gave up 19.7 points per game in 2023, which ranked second among 15 ACC teams. The Louisville football program gives up the fifth-fewest passing yards per game with 205.4 per game and the ninth-fewest total passing yards with 2,670.

The Louisville football program looks to improve off of a 10-2 season in Jeff Brohm's first season as the coach. Brohm looks to prepare his team for their matchup against USC in the Holiday Bowl after losing the ACC Championship game against Florida State.

As for the Tar Heels, the hope is that the incoming recruiting class, as well as some potential transfer portal additions, could help the program's secondary improve moving forward.

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