By Mark Pszonak
With Mack Brown getting fired on Tuesday, North Carolina players were immediately eligible to enter the transfer portal. Plenty will get interest, but which will be the busiest?
RB Omarion Hampton, Junior (6-foot-0, 220-pounds)
The skinny: The most likely scenario has Hampton declaring for the NFL Draft, but that doesn’t mean that schools won’t take their best shot at convincing him to come back for one more collegiate season. Hampton is one of the top backs in the country and would make any program in the country better. He has rushed for 3,380 yards and 35 touchdowns during his three seasons in Chapel Hill.
LB Amare Campbell, Sophomore (6-foot-0, 230-pounds)
The skinny: Campbell showcased his potential during his true freshman season while playing in 11 games and earning one start. This season he became one of the top playmakers on the defensive unit with 63 tackles, nine tackles for loss, five sacks and one forced fumble. He would immediately become one of the top available linebackers in the portal if he entered.
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DL Beau Atkinson, RS Sophomore (6-foot-6, 265-pounds)
The skinny: Atkinson redshirted in 2022 before totaling 19 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks last season. He has become even more productive this season, as well as a key playmaker, with 26 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. The potential is there for even better production which is what will have college coaches swarming.
DB Kaleb Cost, Sophomore (5-foot-11, 195-pounds)
The skinny: Cost received experience as a true freshman while playing special teams before grabbing his only start of the season in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. He returned in 2024 stronger, quicker and ready to compete. That has resulted in a big season for the sophomore, with 52 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and six pass breakups. Cost is also a player on the North Carolina baseball team, which could come into play if he decides to transfer.
RB Davion Gause, Freshman (5-foot-11, 215-pounds)
The skinny: With Omarion Hampton on the roster, everyone knew that Gause wouldn’t get plenty of playing time this season. However, even in limited work he still managed to total 312 yards and four touchdowns and four receptions for 45 yards. The Sunshine State native would happily be welcomed home by several in-state programs if he became available.
