Make that three players who have decided to leave the UNC football program this week.
Per sources, receiver Paul Billups II has become the third player to leave the UNC football team across the last week. Tar Heels are on a bye this week. Here’s more, read: https://t.co/NQLm70rE2g pic.twitter.com/4iC8uIeGvt
— InsideCarolina (@InsideCarolina) September 23, 2025
Wide receiver Paul Billups II is no longer with the team, according to Inside Carolina among other sources. All three of the program's departures thus far have come from the offensive side of the football.
Billups II joined the UNC football program in 2023, appearing in four games before redshirting. Last season, Billups II played in 12 games, recording four catches for 27 yards.
Newcomers have surpassed Billups II on the depth chart, which is likely part of the reason why he has elected to leave the team. North Carolina's wide receiver room took a big hit in terms of numbers, as you can now subtract two players from the list.
Of course, you never want to lose players, but in the reality of it all, all the players who have left the program thus far have been minimal contributors since Bill Belichick arrived in town. With a slew of talent coming in with the 2026 recruiting class, plus the additions the Tar Heels will eventually make in the transfer portal, these student-athletes seem to see the writing on the wall that their on-field opportunities are likely to remain minimal at best.
For the program, they will make do with what they currently have. These decisions shouldn't make it seem like the world is ending in Chapel Hill- it's just student-athletes doing what they think is best for them as they continue their respective college football careers.