UNC Basketball Lands Commitment from Elite Transfer Big Man Jalen Moreland
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — July 16, 2025 — In a move that has sent shockwaves across the college basketball landscape, the University of North Carolina has secured a commitment from highly sought-after transfer big man Jalen Moreland, a 6-foot-11, 245-pound center out of Michigan State.
Moreland, a redshirt junior who averaged 14.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game for the Spartans last season, entered the transfer portal in late June, sparking a fierce recruiting battle between several blue blood programs. Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, and UConn all made strong pushes, but it was the culture, legacy, and player development reputation of Hubert Davis and the Tar Heels that ultimately sealed the deal.
“I wanted a place where I could be pushed, where the expectations are high, and where the jersey means something,” Moreland told ESPN in an exclusive interview. “After visiting Chapel Hill, I felt the weight of the tradition. It’s not just about banners — it’s about brotherhood, about family. I’m ready to be a part of that.”
The commitment addresses a critical need for UNC, which lost All-ACC forward Armando Mitchell to the NBA Draft in June and has been searching for an experienced post presence to anchor their frontcourt alongside rising star sophomore wing Elijah Parker.
Moreland brings a rare blend of size, athleticism, and timing that will immediately impact both ends of the floor. Defensively, he’s known for his ability to alter shots without fouling, ranking second in the Big Ten in block percentage last season. Offensively, he thrives in pick-and-roll actions and possesses a soft touch around the rim, shooting 61.8% from the field.
Hubert Davis praised the acquisition in a press release late Tuesday.
“Jalen is exactly the kind of competitor and teammate we look for at Carolina. He plays with heart, protects the rim, and brings a physical edge that sets the tone,” Davis said. “His leadership and maturity will elevate not just our team’s talent, but our identity.”
Recruiting insiders say Moreland’s commitment instantly elevates the Tar Heels into preseason top-five territory and places them squarely in the conversation for a deep March run. His arrival also sends a strong message that UNC remains a premier destination for elite talent, especially in an era where player movement is more fluid than ever.
Moreland plans to enroll in August and will join the team for its overseas exhibition tour in Spain. He will wear No. 32 — a nod to his late father, who wore the same number at Georgetown in the 1990s.
“I know the expectations are sky-high at Carolina,” Moreland said. “But I didn’t come here to hide from pressure. I came here to win a national championship.”
With Moreland now in the fold, and a talented core already in place, the Tar Heels are poised to make serious noise in the 2025-26 season — and perhaps hang another banner in the Dean Dome rafters.
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