The University of North Carolina (UNC) Tar Heels have made a significant move in the transfer portal, securing a key in-conference player to bolster their roster for the upcoming season. This acquisition marks a pivotal moment for the program, as they aim to strengthen their competitive edge within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
### A Strategic Addition to the Tar Heels’ Lineup
UNC’s latest transfer signing is defensive lineman **C.J. Mims**, who previously played for the **East Carolina Pirates** [A](https://athlonsports.com/college/north-carolina-tar-heels/north-carolina-bill-belichick-sign-transfer-from-in-state-rival?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJnWHpWUEV0Y05DdjUxclNSWHFGNEQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoicWJrMzhnWE13aThhNTlDb2h2YzN3IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvYXRobG9uc3BvcnRzLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvbm9ydGgtY2Fyb2xpbmEtdGFyLWhlZWxzXC9ub3J0aC1jYXJvbGluYS1iaWxsLWJlbGljaGljay1zaWduLXRyYW5zZmVyLWZyb20taW4tc3RhdGUtcml2YWwifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Mims initially committed to **Wake Forest**, but after head coach **Dave Clawson** announced his resignation, he reconsidered his decision and ultimately chose to join the Tar Heels [A](https://athlonsports.com/college/north-carolina-tar-heels/north-carolina-bill-belichick-sign-transfer-from-in-state-rival?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJnWHpWUEV0Y05DdjUxclNSWHFGNEQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoicWJrMzhnWE13aThhNTlDb2h2YzN3IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvYXRobG9uc3BvcnRzLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvbm9ydGgtY2Fyb2xpbmEtdGFyLWhlZWxzXC9ub3J0aC1jYXJvbGluYS1iaWxsLWJlbGljaGljay1zaWduLXRyYW5zZmVyLWZyb20taW4tc3RhdGUtcml2YWwifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His arrival is expected to provide much-needed depth and experience to UNC’s defensive unit.
Mims has been a standout performer over the past two seasons, accumulating **37 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles** [A](https://athlonsports.com/college/north-carolina-tar-heels/north-carolina-bill-belichick-sign-transfer-from-in-state-rival?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJnWHpWUEV0Y05DdjUxclNSWHFGNEQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoicWJrMzhnWE13aThhNTlDb2h2YzN3IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvYXRobG9uc3BvcnRzLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvbm9ydGgtY2Fyb2xpbmEtdGFyLWhlZWxzXC9ub3J0aC1jYXJvbGluYS1iaWxsLWJlbGljaGljay1zaWduLXRyYW5zZmVyLWZyb20taW4tc3RhdGUtcml2YWwifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His ability to disrupt opposing offenses and create pressure in the trenches will be a valuable asset for UNC as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
### Bill Belichick’s Influence on UNC’s Recruiting
The Tar Heels’ recruitment efforts have been significantly impacted by the arrival of legendary NFL coach **Bill Belichick**, who recently took over as UNC’s head coach [B](https://www.si.com/college-football/bill-belichick-first-transfer-portal-victory-north-carolina?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJnWHpWUEV0Y05DdjUxclNSWHFGNEQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoicWJrMzhnWE13aThhNTlDb2h2YzN3IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZS1mb290YmFsbFwvYmlsbC1iZWxpY2hpY2stZmlyc3QtdHJhbnNmZXItcG9ydGFsLXZpY3Rvcnktbm9ydGgtY2Fyb2xpbmEifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Belichick’s presence has already made waves in the college football landscape, as he adapts to the nuances of the **NIL era** and the **transfer portal** [A](https://athlonsports.com/college/north-carolina-tar-heels/north-carolina-bill-belichick-sign-transfer-from-in-state-rival?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJnWHpWUEV0Y05DdjUxclNSWHFGNEQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoicWJrMzhnWE13aThhNTlDb2h2YzN3IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvYXRobG9uc3BvcnRzLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvbm9ydGgtY2Fyb2xpbmEtdGFyLWhlZWxzXC9ub3J0aC1jYXJvbGluYS1iaWxsLWJlbGljaGljay1zaWduLXRyYW5zZmVyLWZyb20taW4tc3RhdGUtcml2YWwifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His reputation and coaching pedigree have undoubtedly played a role in attracting talented players like Mims to Chapel Hill.
Belichick’s ability to navigate the complexities of college football recruiting has been a topic of discussion among analysts and fans alike. While some initially questioned whether he could transition from the professional ranks to the collegiate level, his early success in securing key transfers suggests that he is quickly adjusting to the new environment.
### The Impact on UNC’s Season Prospects
UNC finished the **2024 season with a 6–6 overall record and a 3–5 conference record in the ACC**, placing them **13th in the conference standings** [B](https://www.si.com/college-football/bill-belichick-first-transfer-portal-victory-north-carolina?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJnWHpWUEV0Y05DdjUxclNSWHFGNEQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoicWJrMzhnWE13aThhNTlDb2h2YzN3IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZS1mb290YmFsbFwvYmlsbC1iZWxpY2hpY2stZmlyc3QtdHJhbnNmZXItcG9ydGFsLXZpY3Rvcnktbm9ydGgtY2Fyb2xpbmEifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). With the addition of Mims and other potential transfers, the Tar Heels are looking to improve their performance and climb the ranks in the highly competitive ACC.
Mims’ decision to transfer to UNC also highlights a growing trend of **North Carolina natives returning home** to play for the Tar Heels [A](https://athlonsports.com/college/north-carolina-tar-heels/north-carolina-bill-belichick-sign-transfer-from-in-state-rival?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJnWHpWUEV0Y05DdjUxclNSWHFGNEQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoicWJrMzhnWE13aThhNTlDb2h2YzN3IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvYXRobG9uc3BvcnRzLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvbm9ydGgtY2Fyb2xpbmEtdGFyLWhlZWxzXC9ub3J0aC1jYXJvbGluYS1iaWxsLWJlbGljaGljay1zaWduLXRyYW5zZmVyLWZyb20taW4tc3RhdGUtcml2YWwifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His commitment signals a renewed sense of local pride and confidence in the program under Belichick’s leadership.
### Looking Ahead
As the Tar Heels continue to build their roster through the transfer portal, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how these new additions impact the team’s performance. With Belichick at the helm and talented players like Mims joining the squad, UNC is poised to make strides in the upcoming season.
The Tar Heels’ triumph in securing this key in-conference transfer is a testament to their commitment to strengthening their program and competing at the highest level. As they prepare for the challenges ahead, the excitement surrounding UNC football continues to grow.
