Carver Cheeks, a standout first-team all-Big Sky Conference wide receiver from the University of Northern Colorado (UNC), plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal in January. He confirmed his decision on social media, making this the second year in a row he’ll enter the portal.
Cheeks switched from defensive back to wide receiver and put up an impressive season. He led the conference in receptions per game and finished fourth in total receiving yards.
Programs looking to strengthen their rosters are definitely watching this move. There’s no doubt Cheeks’ transfer could shake up the college football landscape.
Carver Cheeks’ Journey and Achievements at UNC
Cheeks started his college career at UNC as a defensive back in 2023, joining head coach Ed Lamb’s first recruiting class. He grew up in Colorado Springs and played at Mesa Ridge High School.
In 2024, Cheeks switched to wide receiver. That decision changed everything for him.
From Walk-On to Scholarship Athlete
Cheeks entered the transfer portal last year but decided to return to UNC as a walk-on. His hard work and on-field performance earned him a scholarship, and he quickly became one of the Bears’ most important players.
This season, he caught 71 passes for 929 yards and scored six receiving touchdowns, plus one on the ground. His best game came on October 18th against Sacramento State—nine catches, 223 yards, and three touchdowns, the most yards in a Big Sky game this season.
Impact on the Big Sky Conference
Cheeks played a huge role in the Bears’ improved offense. At the end of the regular season, he ranked fourth in the Big Sky with 929 total receiving yards and averaged 77.42 receiving yards per game.
He led the conference in receptions per game, averaging 5.92. Cheeks’ consistency made him one of the conference’s most reliable and exciting receivers.
Family Ties and Future Prospects
Cheeks isn’t the only family member who’s left a mark at UNC. His brother, Cash Cheeks, played tight end for the Bears in 2023 and 2024 before transferring to the University of Texas El Paso after this past season.
The Cheeks family definitely has a thing for athletic excellence and commitment to football.
What Lies Ahead for Carver Cheeks
With one year of eligibility left, Cheeks is about to enter the transfer portal again. There’s already plenty of chatter about where he’ll land next.
Any program looking for a proven receiver would love to have him. He’s versatile, experienced, and his numbers speak for themselves.
The Transfer Portal: A Double-Edged Sword
The NCAA transfer portal has really changed college sports. Athletes can look for new opportunities, but it’s tough for teams to keep their rosters together.
For players like Cheeks, the portal is a shot to show what they can do and maybe catch the eye of bigger programs. But for UNC, losing someone like Cheeks stings—it’s a loss, but maybe it’s also a chance for new talent to step up.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Awaits
Carver Cheeks wants more. Entering the transfer portal shows just how ambitious he is, always aiming for the top tier of competition.
He started as a walk-on defensive back. Now, he’s an all-conference wide receiver—pretty wild, honestly.
People are definitely curious about his next move. Fans and analysts will keep an eye on where he goes and what he does next on the field.
If you want more details about Carver Cheeks’ announcement and his time at UNC, check out the Greeley Tribune.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
