Given where he ranks among MLB Draft prospects, especially at the catcher position, no one expects Luke Stevenson to return to the UNC baseball program for his junior season.
While Tar Heel fans would love to have Stevenson back in the fold, it's very unlikely, as he should hear his name called early on during the 2025 MLB Draft.
With his departure comes a big void behind the plate, one that Scott Forbes and the UNC baseball program have already worked to solidify.
North Carolina has secured a commitment from Georgia State transfer Colin Hynek. The news was made known through Hynek adding the Diamond Heels to his social media bios.
A three-year letterwinner at Georgia State, Hynek ranks ninth on the program's all-time home runs list with 32 long balls. He's coming off a 2025 season in which he hit .230 with a team-leading 18 home runs to go along with 45 RBIs. He was also powerful behind the dish, throwing out 12 baserunners and finishing with a .983 fielding percentage across 400 chances.
Replacing a player of Stevenson's caliber is never easy, but Forbes and the Tar Heels have done a tremendous job of filling in holes via transfer portal additions. Just look at this year's team: two of the Tar Heels starting outfielders were both transfers, each adding a dynamic element to the UNC baseball program on both sides of the ball.
Based on recent transfer success, you'd have to think that this one has a very good chance of working out as well.
Stevenson has been a fixture behind the plate since arriving on campus, so now it will be time for someone else to take the reins. Colin Hynek appears to be that guy, a veteran presence with a powerful bat and elite defensive skills.
North Carolina hopes that he can be a key part of their everyday lineup during the 2026 season.