North Carolina earns solid grade from ESPN for 2023 transfer class

North Carolina has earned a solid grade for its transfer portal haul this offseason.

On Thursday morning, ESPN released transfer portal grades for every team in its way-too-early top 25. T

he Tar Heels were included and earned a B+ grade from ESPN.

So far this cycle, North Carolina has added commitments from 9 transfers. Here’s some analysis from ESPN’s Tom VanHaaren:

North Carolina lost cornerbacks Grimes and Duck, safety Nash and linebacker Rara Dillworth, among others. But the coaches brought in quite a bit of talent with Kent State receiver Walker, Georgia Tech safety Allen and Florida State linebacker Amari Gainer. The grade would be higher if the number of players leaving was lower than what it is.

Safety Antavious Lane, cornerback Alijah Huzzie, safety Derrik Allen and cornerback Armani Chapman were named as the “biggest newcomers” in this class by ESPN.

That’s a significant amount o

f help on the defensive side of the ball, which was a big weakness for the Tar Heels in 2022. UNC has also added a pair of wide receivers in Devontez Walker and Nate McCollum to help compensate for the losses of Josh Downs and Antoine Green.

North Carolina is expected to remain aggressive in the portal in the coming weeks and months.