UNC adds veteran Michigan State DB Ade Willie out of transfer portal

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North Carolina continued its transfer portal roll Tuesday morning, landing another commitment in defensive back Ade Willie. Andrew Jones of TarHeel247 first reported the news.

Willie played four seasons at Michigan State, appearing in over 30 games with seven starts. He racked up 34 total tackles, two tackles for loss and a pass breakup while in East Lansing. He played both safety and nickleback.

Willie was Sparty’s starting nickelback in the first four games of the season, but a season-ending injury sidelined him. The injury allowed him to get an extra year of eligibility as he only played in four games, giving him a redshirt season.

Willie’s best season at Michigan State came in 2024, when he played a career-high 187 snaps, made 12 tackles and allowed 13 catches on 17 targets. He gave up three touchdowns and a long reception of 57 yards.

Willie is a strong pickup because of his experience and the quality snaps he logged in the Big Ten, arguably the top conference in college football right now.

Willie is the third defensive player and seventh overall transfer portal addition to commit to North Carolina. The other two defensive players, former Florida defensive lineman Tarvosie Brown and former Penn State edge rusher Jaylen Harvey, both committed to the Tar Heels on Monday.

​​M​​ake sure to follow Tar Heels Wire for more transfer portal updates as the portal period ramps up.

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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Football: Ade Willie transfers to North Carolina from Michigan State

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