UNC Men’s Basketball: 2026 Transfer Portal Entrants Revealed

The NCAA men’s basketball transfer portal opened on April 7, 2026. This development followed the dismissal of UNC head coach Hubert Davis on March 24. Since then, several players from the Tar Heels have opted to enter the portal, seeking new opportunities. Below is a summary of the players who have formally announced their intentions or are reported to be entering the transfer portal.

2026 Transfer Portal Entrants: UNC Men’s Basketball

Kyan Evans

Evans transferred to UNC from Colorado State, where he had a standout tenure. However, his time at Chapel Hill was challenging. He lost his starting position midseason and saw a decrease in performance. Evans averaged 4.0 points in contrast to 10.6 points per game at Colorado State. He has one season of eligibility left and may consider returning.

Zayden High

High’s performance improved during the season due to injuries affecting teammates. He recorded double figures in scoring in three of his last five games, averaging 7.6 points and 5.8 rebounds for the final stretch. High has two seasons of eligibility remaining.

James Brown

After two seasons with limited playtime, Brown announced his entry into the transfer portal on April 7. His career at UNC saw minimal gameplay due to injuries and foul trouble. He has at least two seasons of eligibility left and might qualify for a redshirt year.

Jonathan Powell

Powell, a transfer from West Virginia, served as a valuable reserve for the Tar Heels but did not start any games. He averaged 4.8 points and shot 36.5% from three-point range. Powell retains two years of eligibility and may explore a return to UNC.

Derek Dixon

Dixon emerged as a starting point guard in 2025-26 and became a fan favorite for his clutch performances. While he averaged 6.5 points and 2.3 rebounds, he made his transfer announcement shortly after coaching news broke. Dixon still has three years of eligibility and is open to returning.

Jaydon Young

Young, a North Carolina native and former Virginia Tech player, faced challenges adjusting to UNC. He played in 31 games with an average of 1.8 points per game. He has one season of eligibility remaining.

Isaiah Denis

Denis, a four-star recruit, had a limited first season, playing in only 10 games. He has three years of eligibility left but mentioned uncertainties about coaching as a factor in his transfer decision.

Key Dates for the Transfer Portal

The NCAA men’s basketball transfer portal remains open until April 21, 2026. Players intending to transfer must enter their names during this window and can commit to new programs for the upcoming 2026-27 season thereafter.

As the Tar Heels navigate this offseason, the focus will now shift to how these changes impact the roster and the upcoming season.