Could UNC’s Latest SEC Transfer Shake Up College Football’s Defensive Landscape?

The 2025 college football offseason is shaping up to be a rollercoaster — and the North Carolina Tar Heels are clearly not hitting the brakes. They’ve been diving headfirst into the transfer portal, which has become the modern gold rush for programs eager to reshape their rosters quickly. The jewel in UNC’s crown so far? A promising signal-caller from South Alabama named Gio Lopez, expected to take over as the starting quarterback next season. Plus, they’ve managed to reel in some serious talent in the secondary, snagging cornerback Thaddeus Dixon from Washington, a guy many consider a top-tier defensive back. Now, whispers around the ACC hint at a possible new addition from the SEC — Florida’s young defensive back, Gregory Smith III, might be the next to make the move to Chapel Hill, with insiders giving that a 70 percent shot. If it all pans out, Smith would join a defensive squad already stacked with returning starters like Marcus Allen and Kaleb Cost, adding even more depth and firepower. College football is evolving — these transfers and the NIL boom are turning gridiron battles into chess matches off the field, and honestly, if it helps the Heels climb higher, I’m all in. LEARN MORE

According to Florida‘s official football statistics on floridagators.com, Smith played in five games during the 2024 regular season, recording five tackles (three solo) and one PBU.Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.If Smith lands in Chapel Hill, he’d be the second former Gator to do so, joining defensive tackle D’Antre Robinson. North Carolina has three projected returning starters in its secondary – Marcus Allen, Will Hardy and Kaleb Cost, but I’m willing to bet Smith is one of UNC’s first off the bench.As the 2025 college football offseason continues to progress, the North Carolina Tar Heels continue to stay active in the transfer portal.On3 Sports’ Pete Nakos predicts Florida Gators defensive back Gregory Smith III, who’ll be entering his sophomore season in the fall, to land at UNC. Nakos has a confidence level of 70 percent in Smith’s decision, according to the following graphic.

College sports still maintain the excitement of filled stadium and great campus atmospheres, but they’re becoming increasingly professionalized, thanks to the transfer portal and NIL money. If both of those help the Tar Heels become a better team, though, I’m all for it.

UNC landed its greatest future asset in the form of expected 2025 starting quarterback Gio Lopez, who’s coming in from South Alabama. North Carolina also snagged Washington cornerback Thaddeus Dixon, one of the top defensive backs in the portal, while also loading up in the trenches.Nothing is official yet, but there’s another defensive back projected to join the Tar Heels soon – and he comes from an SEC program.