“I Am Going Nowhere”: Seth Trimble Rejects $8.2M NIL Offer to Stay Loyal to Tar Heels
UNC Star’s Loyalty Sends Shockwaves Through College Hoops
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — July 5, 2025
In an era where college basketball has been reshaped by multi-million-dollar NIL offers and frequent transfers, Seth Trimble made a declaration that silenced the noise and reignited belief in loyalty:
> “I am going nowhere.”
The 6-foot-3 junior guard, known for his explosive athleticism and relentless defense, turned down a jaw-dropping $8.2 million NIL deal from an unnamed program in North Carolina’s rival conference—widely reported to be NC State—and instead reaffirmed his commitment to the University of North Carolina.
The offer, which included a multi-brand endorsement package, a commercial real estate stake in Raleigh, and a custom sports car valued at over $250,000, was the largest known NIL package ever extended to a non-transfer player in the ACC. Yet Trimble didn’t blink.
> “I didn’t come to Carolina to chase money,” Trimble said in an emotional press conference inside the Dean E. Smith Center, flanked by head coach Hubert Davis and his family. “I came here to chase banners, to wear that jersey with pride, and to represent a tradition that’s bigger than all of us.”
Trimble, who averaged 14.2 points, 5.3 assists, and 1.9 steals last season, was projected to be one of the top returning guards in the country. After testing the NBA waters in April, he opted to return for his junior year — but few expected he’d do so after an offer of this magnitude surfaced.
A Modern-Day Loyalty Statement
In a college landscape increasingly dominated by the business side of athletics, Trimble’s decision drew praise from UNC legends and current pros alike. Former Tar Heel and NBA All-Star Coby White tweeted:
> “Man, that’s a Carolina kid through and through. Respect.”
Meanwhile, head coach Hubert Davis was visibly moved during the press conference, calling the moment “one of the proudest in my coaching career.”
> “In a time where many follow the money, Seth followed his heart,” Davis said. “He’s not just a great basketball player. He’s a leader, a teammate, and a Tar Heel forever.”
What’s Next for Trimble and the Tar Heels?
With Trimble officially returning, North Carolina’s 2025–26 roster is now projected to be among the strongest in the nation. Alongside fellow returners and a Top-10 recruiting class, the Tar Heels will enter the season as ACC title favorites and a legitimate national championship contender.
Analysts have also suggested that Trimble’s decision could influence other top players contemplating transfer or draft decisions, restoring faith in the idea that program culture and legacy still matter.
> “I’m not here to knock anybody’s hustle,” Trimble added. “But for me, loyalty means something. And when you put on that Carolina blue, you don’t just play for yourself—you play for every name in the rafters, and every kid dreaming of being next.”
As fans erupted in celebration across Chapel Hill and the college basketball world paused to take note, one thing became crystal clear:
Seth Trimble didn’t just stay. He stood tall.
