North Carolina linebacker Tyler Thompson plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal, according to a report from On3's Hayes Fawcett.
Thompson has spent the past three seasons with the Tar Heels and emerged as a key contributor on defense over the last two years. After redshirting as a true freshman and playing sparingly early in his career, Thompson saw his role expand significantly in a breakout 2025 season.
The hometown product from Cary, NC appeared in 27 games over the past two seasons and posted the most productive year of his career this fall.
Thompson finished the season with 26 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks, along with two forced fumbles and a pass defended. His sack total ranked among the team leaders and reflected development as an edge defender.
During his first two seasons on campus, Thompson recorded a combined seven tackles, 1.0 tackle for loss and a fumble recovery, but his season was evident as his playing time increased.
Thompson arrived in Chapel Hill as a highly regarded recruit. He was rated a four-star prospect and the No. 320 overall player nationally in the On3 Consensus rankings. He was also listed as the No. 32 edge prospect in his class and the No. 11 overall player from North Carolina out of Panther Creek High School.
Thompson is not the only Tar Heel preparing to transfer. Bill Belichick is losing nine players come January. Four of which are four-star talents. The growing list of departures from North Carolina will be a storyline to watch.
More college football news:
- Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
- Pat McAfee delivers reality check to Diego Pavia for Heisman weekend antics
- Fernando Mendoza won't keep the Heisman Trophy
- Why LSU should be extremely nervous about Michigan firing Sherrone Moore