Bill Belichick, North Carolina Lose Defender From 2025 Signing Class
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North Carolina defensive lineman Kamarion Thomas, a member of Bill Belichick’s first signing class, is expected to enter the transfer portal on Jan. 2.
Thomas, a three-star prospect from Brooklyn, N.Y., did not appear in a game for the Tar Heels last season. The 6-foot-3, 280-pound Thomas has four years of eligibility remaining after redshirting.
As of Dec. 27, the Tar Heels are expected to see at least 14 players enter the portal. That group includes All-ACC Honorable Mention linebacker Khmori House, linebacker Tyler Thompson, and former four-star quarterback prospect Bryce Baker.
Thomas, Baker, linebacker Chinedu Onyeagoro, wide receiver Kenedy Uzoma, and tight end Yasir Smith all reportedly plan to enter the portal after redshirting as true freshmen. 247Sports considered Onyeagoro a four-star recruit, while Uzoma and Smith were both three-star prospects.
What to Know About Bill Belichick and the 2026 UNC Tar Heels
Changes have already begun at North Carolina following the Tar Heels’ 4-8 season. Belichick fired offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens and special teams coordinator Mike Priefer earlier this month, though defensive coordinator Steve Belichick — Bill’s son — will remain in his position.
ESPN reported on Dec. 22 that North Carolina is working to hire former Arkansas Razorbacks offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino as Kitchens’ replacement. Petrino, who went 0-7 as Arkansas’ interim coach, would be tasked with running a Tar Heels offense that averaged only 19.2 points and 288.8 yards per game under Kitchens.
Petrino, who turns 65 in March, is 137-78 as a head coach with Louisville (2003–06 and 2014–18), Western Kentucky (2013), Missouri State (2020–22), and Arkansas (2008–11, and his recent interim stint). He also went 3-10 as the Atlanta Falcons’ head coach in 2007 before resigning to become the Razorbacks’ head coach.
UNC opens the 2026 season against TCU in Ireland on Aug. 29. The Tar Heels also have non-conference games against East Tennessee State (Sept. 12), Notre Dame (Oct. 3), and UConn (Nov. 7), in addition to their eight-game ACC slate.
Belichick is looking to lead the Tar Heels to their first College Football Playoff appearance next season. UNC also seeks its first 10-win season since going 11-3 in 2015. The Tar Heels have not won a postseason game since their 2019 Military Bowl victory over Temple.
Related: Deion Sanders, Colorado Lose Former 4-Star Prospect to Transfer Portal
Related: USF Gets Bad Transfer Portal News After Alex Golesh Leaves for Auburn
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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