The North Carolina Tar Heels have had themselves quite a tense few weeks as they await the decision of Matt Able. 

Able — a transfer from NC State — is currently committed to the Tar Heels, while also keeping his name in the 2026 NBA Draft class. Able averaged 8.8 points per game as a freshman at NC State last season, and took part in the NBA Draft Combine, looking to improve his draft stock. 

Able has certainly made UNC a bit nervous this month. He was one of the more impressive players at the Combine earlier this month. Over the course of two 5-on-5 scrimmages, Able averaged roughly 16 points per game and was 7-16 from three-point range in that same span. 

A willing three-point shooter with a 6-foot-4 frame, Able mostly projects as a second-round pick currently. However, he does still have room to sneak his way into the first round, especially given how well he performed at the Combine. 

Able Amongst Portal Pick-Ups

For UNC’s sake, they sure do hope that Able makes the decision to suit up for them next season. He is one of Michael Malone’s top transfer portal acquisitions in his first offseason as head coach. Imagining a world without Able is a reality that the Tar Heels are hoping they can avoid next season. 

Many other star talents who did the same as Able have made the decision to come back to college. Most notably, UNC’s most-bitter rival, the Duke Blue Devils, were able to get John Blackwell to withdraw from the draft and return to school for next season.  

Without Able, the Tar Heels would be at a significant disadvantage in trying to find his replacement. At this point, the transfer portal cycle is nearly completed, and finding a replacement with similar value to Able will be a nearly impossible task for Malone and his staff. 

UNC’s Losses

They’ve already lost several talents from last season, including losing Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar to the draft, and losing role players such as Derek Dixon and Luka Bogavac to the transfer portal, so not only will the Tar Heels be undergoing a massive makeover, but it will be even more prominent if Able doesn’t stay true to his commitment. 

The clock is ticking for Able to make a decision. Until then, the Tar Heels — and their fans — will hold their breath and hope that he ends up choosing to come to Chapel Hill after testing the draft waters. 

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The North Carolina Tar Heels have yet another new look to their roster heading into the 2026 season. Another offseason with 50 new additions, including roughly 30 true freshmen, makes the Tar Heels’ roster incredibly young, with a mix of veterans and transfers with inexperience on both sides of the ball.

As head coach Bill Belichick heads into his second season leading the program, the pressure is on to add more wins, and they’ll need some key players and transfers to step up and become major contributors early and throughout the season. Let’s look at some potential X-factors for North Carolina football heading into the summer break.

Offensive X-Factor — Trech Kekahuna, Wide Receiver

A dynamic pass-catcher from Wisconsin, Kekahuna has a chance to become a fascinating asset for offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino. Kekahuna is incredibly versatile, with quickness, speed, and vision as a ball carrier, allowing him to create yards in space through traffic. His presence on the field will be one to watch this season, making him an important offensive factor.

Defensive X-Factor — Jaylen Harvey, Edge Rusher

We’ve talked a lot about Harvey in recent weeks as a potential key contributor to the Tar Heels’ pass rush this season. The explosiveness and speed off the edge flashed at times during his time at Penn State, including against Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl this past season. If Harvey puts it together at Chapel Hill, he becomes a serious X-factor for Steve Belichick’s defense.

Offensive X-Factor — Jordan Washington, Tight End

Jelani Thurman is the tight end I’m higher on in this room the most, but Washington’s size and athleticism make him an intriguing No. 2 option behind Thurman, who should be projected as the presumptive starter heading into the summer.

Washington has solid hands and movement skills to be a productive contributor, and if he puts it together, he quickly becomes an underrated aspect of the Tar Heels’ offense under Petrino.

Defensive X-Factor — Coleman Bryson, Safety

The safety spot for North Carolina has a mixture of veteran presence and talent with Bryson and Greg Smith. The biggest question in this room is whether or not these two players reach their potential as backend playmakers in the Tar Heels’ secondary.

Bryson was the MVP of the Pinstripe Bowl with Minnesota a few years ago as a freshman. The talent and athleticism are there for him to become an impact contributor. If he puts it together, the veteran safety quickly becomes an X-factor in North Carolina’s secondary.

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