In a move shaking the college baseball world to its core, the University of North Carolina has landed the nation’s top overall player from the transfer portal: two-way phenom Erik Paulsen, a dominant left-handed pitcher and power-hitting outfielder who turned down a staggering $10.2 million in professional and NIL offers to commit to the Tar Heels.
Paulsen, a 6-foot-4 junior out of Huntington Beach, California, is no stranger to headlines. After earning All-American honors at Stanford and posting a 1.97 ERA with 142 strikeouts while also slugging 19 home runs, Paulsen entered the portal in early June citing “a desire to be part of something bigger than baseball.” That “something,” as it turns out, is Chapel Hill.
“It’s not about the money,” Paulsen told reporters during a surprise commitment ceremony at the Dean E. Smith Center. “I had offers from pro teams and big NIL deals lined up from schools like LSU and Tennessee. But when I visited UNC, when I sat with Coach Forbes, walked Kenan Stadium, and saw the passion in the fans’ eyes… I knew I belonged in Carolina blue.”
According to sources, LSU offered a package worth up to $4.3 million in NIL deals. Tennessee and West Virginia were also reportedly in the $2-3 million range. Yet Paulsen’s decision came down to legacy, culture, and the chance to win now with a surging Tar Heels program.
Coach Scott Forbes called Paulsen’s commitment “a game-changer of the highest order.”
“Erik is one of the most complete players I’ve ever seen,” Forbes said. “He’s a frontline ace on Friday nights and a middle-of-the-order bat with elite instincts. But more than that, he’s a leader. He chose UNC because he wants to elevate the program, not just his draft stock.”
Paulsen, who still projects as a top-five pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, said he’s not focused on pro ball yet. “I want to bring a national championship to Chapel Hill. I believe we have the roster, the staff, and the heart to do it.”
His arrival couldn’t come at a better time. The Tar Heels are coming off back-to-back Super Regional appearances and are expected to return a strong core of hitters and arms. With Paulsen now anchoring both the mound and the middle of the lineup, UNC becomes an immediate favorite to reach Omaha.
Already, ticket sales for Boshamer Stadium have skyrocketed. Social media is abuzz with Paulsen’s highlight reels and photos of him in Carolina gear. Even UNC basketball stars have chimed in, welcoming him to the “Tar Heel brotherhood.”
“This isn’t just about baseball,” one booster said. “This is about a cultural shift. Erik Paulsen choosing UNC over millions of dollars elsewhere tells you everything you need to know about where this program is headed.”
And as for Paulsen himself?
“Some people chase the bag,” he said, smiling. “I’m chasing rings in Chapel Hill.”
