The First Heel to Howl: Elijah McCants Becomes First UNC Player in History to Transfer Directly to NC State
In one of the most shocking twists in the long and storied history of Tobacco Road basketball, redshirt sophomore guard Elijah McCants has made the unprecedented move of transferring directly from the University of North Carolina to its fiercest rival, NC State. The decision sent shockwaves through the ACC and reignited one of college basketball’s most bitter rivalries in a way few could have imagined.
McCants, a 6’5″ explosive combo guard known for his lockdown perimeter defense and clutch three-point shooting, was a fan favorite at UNC during his freshman and sophomore campaigns. He averaged 10.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 2024, showing flashes of stardom while coming off the bench for the Tar Heels. His high-energy style, vocal leadership, and flair for late-game heroics made him a central piece of Hubert Davis’s rotation.
But whispers of dissatisfaction began surfacing late in the season, as McCants reportedly grew frustrated with his inconsistent role and lack of starting minutes, especially during UNC’s early tournament exit. Despite encouragement from teammates and coaches to stick it out, McCants entered the transfer portal just two days after the season ended.
What no one expected—what no one in Carolina blue could have expected—was that McCants would take his talents eight miles down the road to Raleigh.
NC State head coach Kevin Keatts welcomed McCants with open arms, calling him “a tenacious, versatile player with an edge—and exactly the kind of guy we need to make a deep run.” The move was finalized in early May 2025, triggering both outrage and awe from the college basketball world.
Social media erupted. Former Tar Heels labeled the transfer “blasphemous,” while others admired McCants’ courage in choosing the rival Wolfpack. Longtime UNC fans posted photos of McCants in baby blue with captions like, “Traitor in Wolf’s Clothing.” Meanwhile, State fans embraced the chaos, already ordering jerseys with McCants’ name on the back—only this time in red and white.
In his introductory press conference, McCants didn’t shy away from the controversy. “I have nothing but love for Chapel Hill and the brothers I played with. But at the end of the day, I had to choose a program that fits me and believes in my future. I’m ready to bring fire to the Pack.”
The 2025-26 UNC vs. NC State matchup is already being dubbed The McCants Game, and tickets are being resold at historic prices. Emotions will be high. Loyalties will be tested. And for the first time in program history, a Tar Heel-turned-Wolfpack will take the floor and ignite the rivalry in ways never seen before.
History made. Rivalry reborn.
