North Carolina
Why Paul McNeil Would Benefit From Another Season at NC State
RALEIGH — As NC State head coach Justin Gainey begins making noise in the transfer portal, one major retention question looms large over the program: What will Paul McNeil do? The sharpshooter reportedly intends to enter the transfer portal, although he hasn’t made things official yet. However, he left things open for a return to the Pack after spending the first two seasons of his career there.
McNeil could be a key bridge player for Gainey as he tries to rebuild NC State following a mass exodus in the final days of the Will Wade era, which lasted just one season. The sophomore guard established a close relationship with Wade during their lone year together and also potentially played himself into the NBA Draft conversation. Still, he might benefit most from sticking it out in Raleigh.
Gainey could add another element to McNeil
NC State’s new coach established a reputation over his 20 years as an assistant as one of the best defensive coaches in the country. Most recently at Tennessee, Gainey helped the Volunteers become one of the most consistent and stingy defenses in the country in all five seasons he spent there, something many around Raleigh hope travels with Gainey.
At 6-foot-5, McNeil has the athleticism and wingspan to develop into a much stronger defender. He had several chase-down blocks and incredibly bouncy defensive highlights during the 2025-26 season under Wade. Gainey might see the potential in the talented guard and tap into it even further if he can convince him to stay, turning McNeil into a 3-and-D weapon.
An opportunity to leave a legacy
McNeil, like Gainey, is a native of North Carolina, hailing from nearby Rockingham. As a high schooler, the guard made a name for himself when he shattered the state record for most points in a game, scoring 71 points. He ultimately decided to stay close to home and chose NC State, joining then-coach Kevin Keatts. He stuck it out through one coaching change.
When he earned a starting role under Wade with his work ethic and incredible 3-point shooting, McNeil became a fan favorite at NC State. His confident personality and love for the area and school only helped with that. Now, he has a chance to take that love to another level if he chooses to stay in Raleigh for one more season.
Buying time for the pros
There are completely reasonable financial reasons for McNeil to make a move, as some of the reported offers for other high-profile transfers are truly life-changing numbers for college athletes. However, if the decision comes down to NC State and the NBA Draft process, it’s probably in McNeil’s best interest to stay put for one more season.
After averaging 13.8 points on 42.7% from 3-point range in his sophomore year, McNeil’s usage and role would be even bigger should he choose to return to NC State. Another season with even gaudier numbers, coupled with potential defensive improvements under Gainey’s watch, could vault the guard from second-round pick into first-round conversations.
The North Carolina Tar Heels will be a young program across the board next season, with well over two dozen freshmen and numerous additions from the transfer portal this offseason. Expectations for the 2026 season are lowered dramatically after a disastrous first season for head coach Bill Belichick, though those expectations could help the Tar Heels fly under the radar.
As the Tar Heels approach the end of spring ball, it is time to look at the veterans of the team—the ones who have the experience to lead, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Let’s look at three underrated seniors for the 2026 football season.
Ade Willie, Cornerback
Willie joins the Tar Heels program after four years with Michigan State, as the former 4-star player in the 2022 recruiting class gets an opportunity to not only provide depth to the secondary, but potentially start Week 0 against TCU.
Willie played in over 30 games with the Spartans and brings experience in the secondary at cornerback and safety, along with quality length and closing speed to the football. For a defense that needs players to step up, the redshirt senior from IMG Academy will be asked to do so.
Isaiah Johnson, Defensive Lineman
The defensive line is beginning to look like one of the Tar Heels’ strengths for the 2026 season. Johnson, a former transfer from Arizona, enters his redshirt senior year looking to add another year of production after 40 tackles and two sacks this past season.
North Carolina has an impressive group of starters with Malkart Abou-Jaoude, Leroy Jackson, and incoming transfer Jaylen Harvey. Johnson adds value to the group as a run defender with the ability to penetrate the pocket. While not discussed as a key player, Johnson’s name will be used plenty during the regular season as a potential standout for the program’s defensive front.
Coleman Bryson, Safety
Bryson was a reserve player for the Tar Heels’ secondary last season as a big nickel defender in the rotation. Heading into his redshirt senior year, the former Minnesota Gopher is looking to become a full-time starter in the secondary.
It wasn’t long ago when Bryson was making plays as the 2022 Pinstripe Bowl Defensive MVP. His special teams abilities were valuable for North Carolina last season, and he flashed at times in coverage against tight ends, including a pass breakup in the season-opener against TCU. The Waynesville, North Carolina, native could be a key defender on the back-seven in 2026.
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Friends and family members gathered in Washington state on Saturday, remembering former Miss North Carolina Carrie Everett, who died on Easter Sunday. Another memorial service is planned in North Carolina next month.
Web Editor : Sydney Ross
Posted
Virginia 3, North Carolina 0 | First Quarter
Virginia 3, North Carolina 0 | Q1 8:19
After a faceoff win by Henry Metz, Brendan Millon finds Truitt Sunderland to give the Hoos a 3-0 lead. Timeout North Carolina.
Virginia 2, North Carolina 0 | Q1 9:00
Brendan Millon gets the scoring started for the Cavaliers with a question mark style goal. On the defensive end, Jake Marek opens the game with three early saves with his third save setting up a transition goal by Tommy Snyder.
Virginia vs North Carolina pregame notes
UVA owns a 59-33 advantage since the series began in 1938.
The 59 wins are UVA’s most against any opponent in program history (followed by 51 against Duke).
In Chapel Hill last year, the Tar Heels defeated the Cavaliers 18-9, snapping UVA’s six-game series win streak.
UVA has won nine of the last 11 meetings, dating back to 2018.
The Hoos have won the last two meetings with Carolina at Klöckner Stadium, 11-4 in 2022 and 14-6 in 2024.
The Tar Heels’ four goals in 2022 marked the fewest goals in a game under Joe Breschi, who was named UNC’s head coach in 2006.
The last time the Tar Heels knocked off the Cavaliers at Klöckner was a 16-13 decision during the first of three games between the two teams in 2021.
Later that year, UVA claimed back-to-back meetings against the Heels, including in the NCAA semifinals on the way to capturing the 2021 national title over Maryland.
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