North Carolina is about to feel the sting of a major defensive loss.
Tyler Thompson, the redshirt sophomore linebacker who emerged as one of the Tar Heels’ most disruptive defenders this season, plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal when it opens on January 2. After a breakout campaign in Chapel Hill, Thompson is now looking for a new opportunity - and he’ll be one of the more coveted names on the market.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just any departure. Thompson led UNC with an 85.0 PFF grade this year, a mark that reflects both consistency and impact.
He finished fourth in the ACC with seven sacks, a number that speaks to his ability to get after the quarterback and change the complexion of a game. Add in 26 total tackles and two forced fumbles, and you’ve got a player who didn’t just flash - he delivered.
His signature moment came against Stanford, when he absolutely took over. Three sacks in one game - a career high - and each one felt like a momentum-shifting play. That performance wasn’t just a highlight; it was a statement.
Thompson’s growth wasn’t by accident. Ahead of the 2025 season, he worked closely with Coach Bill Belichick, who helped refine his pass-rushing technique and unlock more of his potential off the edge. That mentorship clearly paid dividends, as Thompson developed into one of the ACC’s most dangerous edge threats.
Originally recruited during the Mack Brown era, Thompson arrived in Chapel Hill in 2023 as a four-star prospect out of Panther Creek High School in Cary, North Carolina. He was ranked as the No. 31 edge rusher in the country and the 10th-best player in the state - and he’s lived up to that billing.
After a limited role his first year (just three games), he took a step forward in 2024, appearing in 12 games and starting two. His stat line that season - five tackles - didn’t jump off the page, but the foundation was being laid.
Then came 2025, and everything clicked.
At 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, Thompson brings the kind of size and athleticism that makes scouts take notice. He’s long, explosive off the snap, and plays with a motor that doesn’t quit. And with two years of eligibility left, he’s not just a short-term rental - he’s a long-term investment for whichever program lands him.
For UNC, this is a tough blow. Thompson was one of the few bright spots on a defense that had its ups and downs.
Replacing his production - and his presence - won’t be easy. But for Thompson, this is a chance to build on a breakout year and take the next step in his career.
Wherever he ends up, expect him to make an impact. He’s already proven he can do that - and then some.