North Carolina is about to lose a cornerstone of its defense - and it’s a big one. Edge rusher Tyler Thompson is expected to hit the transfer portal when it opens on January 2, a move that signals a major shift for the Tar Heels as they try to regroup under head coach Bill Belichick.
Let’s not sugarcoat it: this is a tough blow for a program that’s already navigating a rocky transition. In Belichick’s first year at the helm, UNC stumbled to a 4-8 finish, missing a bowl game for the first time in seven seasons. Amid the turbulence, Thompson was one of the few bright spots - a consistent, disruptive presence who gave opposing offenses plenty to worry about.
At 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, the redshirt sophomore brought both size and explosiveness to the edge. He racked up 26 tackles, including 7.5 for loss, and finished second on the team with seven sacks.
That kind of production doesn’t just show up in the box score - it changes games. Thompson also forced two fumbles and broke up a pass, showing his versatility and knack for making impact plays across the board.
But perhaps most telling of his value? He graded out as the highest-rated player on the entire roster - offense or defense - according to Pro Football Focus, earning an 85.0.
That’s not just good; it’s elite. In a season where the Tar Heels struggled to find consistency or rhythm, Thompson stood out as a player who brought it every week.
His departure leaves a major hole in a defense that already had its share of issues. For Belichick, it’s another challenge in a year that’s been full of them. Building a new culture takes time, and while Thompson’s decision to move on is a setback, it also underscores the urgency for UNC to stabilize and retool quickly.
Wherever Thompson lands, he’ll bring proven production, high-level motor, and the kind of edge presence that every defense needs. For now, though, the Tar Heels are left with a question: who steps up to fill the void left by one of their most impactful players?