Potential UNC Transfers: 5 Key Players Eyeing Portal if Belichick Exits

BOOK AWAY GAME TRAVEL NOW!
Flights | Hotels | Vacation Rentals | Rental Cars | Experiences

The UNC football program’s in turmoil right now, with rumors swirling about head coach Bill Belichick possibly leaving in the middle of the season. This uncertainty has thrown the locker room into chaos.

Players are already talking about the transfer portal. If Belichick does leave, who’s next out the door? Let’s look at five standout players who could be packing their bags soon.

Table of Contents

Jordan Shipp: The Star Wide Receiver

Jordan Shipp is one of the few left from the Mack Brown era and he’s turned into the team’s top wide receiver. The Charlotte native stuck with UNC last offseason, but things feel different now.

He’s heading into a critical junior season for his NFL Draft hopes. If there’s another coaching shake-up, Shipp might start looking elsewhere.

Let’s be honest, his playmaking skills would make him a hot commodity for any team chasing a title.

Why Shipp Might Leave

Role with the team: He’s the top wide receiver—his performance is key for UNC’s offense.
Eligibility: Shipp still has time to transfer and make a big impact somewhere else.
Future prospects: Sticking around during all this instability? That could mess with his development and draft chances.

Khmori House: The Defensive Playmaker

Khmori House followed Steve Belichick to Chapel Hill. His future here is pretty much tied to the defensive coordinator’s fate.

House is a dynamic defender and would draw plenty of interest in the transfer market. If Steve Belichick leaves, would House really stick around? I doubt it, given their connection.

Factors Influencing House’s Decision

Coaching stability: If Steve Belichick bolts, House might rethink his whole commitment to UNC.
Team dynamics: The locker room chaos could push him to find a steadier situation.
Opportunities elsewhere: Plenty of top programs would love to have his talent on defense.

Demon June: The Promising Freshman

Demon June has flashed a ton of potential in his true freshman season. He’s a piece UNC would love to build around.

But let’s face it, top-tier programs are always looking for a big-bodied running back like June. If he leaves, UNC’s backfield takes a serious hit.

June’s Potential Transfer

Playing opportunities: With so much eligibility left, June could look for more carries at another school.
Program stability: The mess at UNC might make him consider a more stable program.
Development opportunities: A move to a powerhouse could really help his growth and future outlook.

Davion Gause: The Buried Talent

When Omarion Hampton left for the NFL, most folks figured Davion Gause would be UNC’s starting running back. Instead, he’s stuck deep on the depth chart.

It’s tough to blame him if he wants out. A transfer could give Gause the fresh start he needs to show what he can really do.

Reasons for Gause’s Potential Transfer

Depth chart position: He’s not getting the snaps he wants—simple as that.
Career progression: Moving on could mean a bigger role and better career prospects.
Team dynamics: With all the instability, who wouldn’t at least think about leaving for a more supportive spot?

Bryce Baker: The Highly-Touted Freshman

Out of all the freshmen, losing Bryce Baker would sting the most for UNC. He’s a four-star recruit, currently redshirting this season.

Baker committed to Mack Brown and doubled down when Belichick came in. But with all this drama, can you blame him if he starts looking at schools like Penn State?

Baker’s Transfer Considerations

Baker’s decision to transfer could hinge on a few things:

Recruitment history: He committed early and then reaffirmed his choice, which shows how much the program values him.
Program stability: With all the chaos lately, he might just want a calmer place to grow as a player.
Opportunities elsewhere: Places like Penn State might hand him a bigger role and a steadier environment. That’s tempting, isn’t it?

Losing Baker would sting for UNC. Still, it could make a lot of sense for his own future.

The uncertainty swirling around UNC football could push key players—Jordan Shipp, Khmori House, Demon June, Davion Gause, and Bryce Baker—to consider the transfer portal. They’re weighing things like playing time, stability, and what’s next for them.

Want to dig deeper? Here’s the full story: Keeping It Heel.

Joe Hughes is the founder of CollegeNetWorth.com, a comprehensive resource on college athletes' earnings potential in the NIL era. Combining his passion for sports with expertise in collegiate athletics, Joe provides valuable insights for athletes, fans, and institutions navigating this new landscape.

Additional Reading: