The UNC football program has been very busy during the transfer portal window, hoping to add some depth to positions in dire need this offseason.
One of those positions comes along the defensive line, most notably on the edge. After losing Tyler Thompson to the transfer portal, along with some other key contributors exhausting their respective eligibility, North Carolina has been searching for talent to serve as the next breakout candidates for Steve Belichick's defensive unit.
The reinforcements are on the way, as the UNC football program has secured a commitment from another defensive lineman.
Jaylen Harvey commits to North Carolina
Former Penn State edge Jaylen Harvey announced that he will join Bill Belichick and the UNC football program for the 2026 season. The Gaithersburg, Maryland native will have three years of eligibility remaining once he arrives on campus.
BREAKING: Penn State transfer EDGE Jaylen Harvey has Committed to North Carolina, he tells @On3Sports
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 5, 2026
The 6’2 250 EDGE totaled 11 tackles and 1 sack in his 2 seasons with the Nittany Lions (15 games)
He’ll have 3 years of eligibility lefthttps://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/vSJ7o6bGIW
More on Harvey
The 6-foot-2, 246-pounder redshirted during his true freshman season at Penn State in 2024. This past season, the former four-star prospect appeared in 11 (starting one), recording eight tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack over 159 total snaps played.
What this means for UNC
Harvey's addition is another low-risk, high-reward type of move for the UNC football program as they look to reshape its defensive unit heading into 2026 and beyond.
After seeing what Thompson and Melkart Abou-Jaoude were able to do last season, there's no doubt that the staff on the defensive side of the ball can find ways to get the most out of talented players who have yet to reach their potential. Harvey could be the next one to join this category, as all it takes is an opportunity and a coaching staff that believes in your skill set.
Transfer Portal Tracker
With the addition of Harvey, the UNC football program has now secured six transfer portal commitments during this cycle. More moves are likely to come, as North Carolina has plenty of holes they would like to address by acquiring some veteran talent.
Click here to keep up with all the latest news and updates on North Carolina's transfer portal additions and subtractions.