The North Carolina Tar Heels are gearing up for a pivotal season under head coach Bill Belichick. With a mix of returning talent, promising freshmen, and incoming transfers, the competition for starting positions is fiercer than ever.
Some players may find themselves on the brink of losing their starting jobs, which could lead to transfers. Let’s take a look at five Tar Heels who could face this dilemma in 2026 and what’s at stake for each of them.
Defensive Concerns: Smith vs. Weatherspoon
One of the biggest battles this season is on defense. Smith, a seasoned defender, is back with high expectations, but he’s got serious competition from freshman Jakob Weatherspoon.
Weatherspoon’s skill set and unique abilities make him a strong contender for a starting spot. If Smith struggles, keeping Weatherspoon off the field could become impossible.
Smith has two more years of eligibility. If he loses his starting role, he might start looking at the transfer portal for his third team—never a fun spot to be in.
Smith’s Experience vs. Weatherspoon’s Potential
Smith brings leadership and experience, which you can’t just replace. Still, Weatherspoon’s upside is hard to ignore, and the staff has to weigh immediate performance against long-term development.
Every game and practice matters for these two. The stakes are high, and honestly, it’s anyone’s guess who comes out on top.
Running Back Roulette: June, Hall, and Jackson
In the backfield, Demon June finds himself in a tight spot. Offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino doesn’t play favorites—he’ll put the best guys out there, period.
June has talent, sure, but he needs to keep producing. Benjamin Hall and LSU transfer Kaleb Jackson are both waiting for their shot, and they’re not exactly patient types.
The Depth Chart Dilemma
June’s job isn’t safe. Hall and Jackson each bring something different to the table, and one of them could easily pass him up if he slips.
Belichick’s got a lot riding on this season, so June has to deliver. Otherwise, he might be looking for a new team where he can actually get some carries.
Quarterback Quandary: O’Neill and Newkirk
The quarterback spot always gets the spotlight, and this year’s no different. O’Neill isn’t the starter, but if he rides the bench all season, transferring might start to look appealing.
Au’Tori Newkirk is in a similar boat. If he stays on the sidelines, don’t be surprised if he explores his options too.
The Impact of NIL and Transfer Portal
With NIL and the transfer portal, guys aren’t waiting around like they used to. If they don’t see the field, they’ll look for somewhere they can play and develop.
For O’Neill and Newkirk, it really comes down to playing time and what the coaches see in them this season.
Wide Receiver Woes: Leacock’s Last Chance
Leacock, once a blue-chip 4-star recruit from Tennessee, is almost out of time to make his mark. He’s got just one season of eligibility left, and the road ahead isn’t exactly clear.
The additions of Trech Kekahuna and Mason Humphrey through the transfer portal have made the receiver room even more crowded. Leacock has to fight harder than ever to be a key playmaker in this offense.
Competing for Relevance
Leacock isn’t just fighting for a starting spot—he’s fighting to stay relevant. With all this new talent, the pressure’s on for him to finally break through.
If he can’t, transferring to a Power 4 or Group of Five school might be his best shot at getting on the field and showing what he can do.
Cornerback Competition: Patterson vs. the Newcomers
On defense, Patterson faces a make-or-break season. Ade Willie and 4-star cornerback Kenton Dopson III have joined the team, and suddenly the cornerback room is packed with talent.
It’s hard to imagine Patterson struggling, but with these newcomers around, nothing’s guaranteed. This competition could get intense—and fast.
Staying Ahead of the Pack
Patterson needs to keep up his performance and fend off challenges from Willie and Dopson. The coaching staff will watch every player’s progress closely.
If Patterson slips, someone else could take his spot. He has to stay ahead if he wants to avoid the transfer portal and stick with the Tar Heels.
The North Carolina Tar Heels are gearing up for a season packed with pressure and some pretty fierce competition. Transfers? Yeah, that’s a real possibility hanging over everyone’s head.
Guys like Smith, June, O’Neill, Leacock, and Patterson all have to deal with a depth chart that never seems to sit still. If you’re curious about their situations, check out Sports Illustrated for more details.
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