HISTORIC MOVE: NC State Star Guard Elijah Carter Becomes First Player Ever to Transfer Directly to UNC Tar Heels
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — In a stunning and unprecedented move that has set college basketball social media ablaze, Elijah Carter, a rising junior guard and standout at NC State, has officially entered the record books as the first player in North Carolina basketball history to transfer directly from NC State to UNC.
The 6’4″ guard, known for his explosive scoring and fierce competitiveness, announced his decision Wednesday morning via a video posted to Instagram. In the clip, Carter walks through the iconic Old Well at Chapel Hill, then pulls off his red and white Wolfpack hoodie to reveal Carolina Blue underneath.
> “This is about growth. This is about legacy. I’m ready to be a Tar Heel,” Carter said in the video.
A Bold Leap Across Tobacco Road
Transfers between Atlantic Coast Conference schools have become more common in the modern era, but a direct transfer between two of the fiercest rivals in college sports — UNC and NC State — is virtually unheard of. For Carter, the decision was driven by what he called “a deeper calling.”
Carter averaged 16.8 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game last season for the Wolfpack and was expected to be their primary leader heading into 2025. His surprise move has left the NC State community reeling — and UNC fans buzzing.
UNC’s Reaction: A Welcome Fit
UNC head coach Hubert Davis released a brief statement:
> “Elijah is a gifted competitor with the mindset, skill set, and maturity to elevate our program immediately. We welcome him to Chapel Hill with open arms.”
Behind the scenes, sources close to the UNC program say Carter had quietly visited Chapel Hill several times in recent weeks and was deeply moved by the culture, academic support, and the program’s history of producing elite guards.
With Carter now joining a backcourt already featuring returning All-ACC junior Zayden Hall, the Tar Heels are suddenly one of the deepest and most athletic teams in the country, and likely to open the season ranked inside the Top 10.
NC State Fans in Disbelief
Wolfpack fans and alumni took to X (formerly Twitter) to express shock, frustration, and, in some cases, respect. Legendary NC State alum Chris Corchiani tweeted:
> “Never thought I’d see the day. But the kid’s got guts. Let’s see what he does with it.”
Some fans burned jerseys. Others posted screenshots of Carter’s stats from his best games against UNC. The mood in Raleigh? Bitter.
The Bigger Picture
Carter’s move marks a shift in the culture of modern college basketball, where name-image-likeness (NIL) opportunities, coaching styles, and championship aspirations increasingly outweigh traditional loyalties.
He is expected to enroll in summer classes at UNC and will be eligible to play immediately thanks to the NCAA’s transfer rules.
Legacy in Motion
Elijah Carter’s decision isn’t just about a new jersey — it’s about rewriting rivalry norms, chasing greatness, and embracing the challenge of becoming a legend on both sides of the Tobacco Road divide.
Chapel Hill awaits.
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