Seth Trimble Returns, UNC Football's New OC, 5-Star Forward CJ Rosser Visits, 4-Star Safety Commits
Plus: Tar Heels overseas updates, Smith Center discussions intensify, Women's Basketball blowouts, Football and Women's Soccer postseason accolades
There’s a lot to cover before we log off for the holidays, so let’s dive in. Seth Trimble is back, UNC Football landed a new offensive coordinator and a 4-star safety, 5-star forward CJ Rosser paid a visit, Smith Center discussions are intensifying, Women’s Basketball keeps blowing out opponents, and more. On to the updates…
🏈 Football
UNC Football and coach Bobby Petrino are reportedly finalizing a deal to make the former Arkansas and Louisville head coach the Tar Heels’ new offensive coordinator.
Petrino has a history of turning around offenses quickly. This past season, Petrino’s Arkansas team climbed all the way to fourth in the SEC in total offense, racking up 455 yards and 33 points per game. Petrino may come with some personal baggage, but no one questions his ability to build a high-powered offense.
Congratulations to North Carolina defensive lineman Leroy Jackson, who was named Second Team Freshman All-American by The Athletic.
A couple of Tar Heel defensive backs and NFL Draft hopefuls have been invited to participate in senior showcase games. Cornerback Thad Dixon has accepted an invitation to play in the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., while fellow secondary mate Gavin Gibson is headed to Hawaii for the Hula Bowl in January.
Three other players also ended their Carolina Football careers this past week, as defensive back Malcolm Ziglar, linebacker Tyler Thompson, and quarterback Bryce Baker announced plans to enter the transfer portal when it opens Jan. 2.
Ziglar played the bulk of his time on special teams this past season, while Thompson was one of UNC’s top pass rushers and will be sorely missed. Baker was brought in as Bill Belichick’s prized recruit in the 2025 class but did not play at all his freshman season.
That brings the total number of players entering the transfer portal to 22 so far. Inside Carolina has the complete list of transfers.
In the NFL, Drake Maye continues to string together MVP-caliber performances. His first career 300-yard passing game helped New England rally past the Ravens on Sunday night to clinch a playoff berth. Maye will also be facing a former teammate in practices going forward, as former UNC linebacker Amari Gainer was added to the Patriots’ practice squad last week. Here’s more on Tar Heels in the NFL from R.L. Bynum at Tar Heel Tribune.
🏈 Football Recruiting
UNC Football claimed a big win on the recruiting trail last week as Rolesville, NC 4-star safety Marquis Bryant chose to stay home and commit to the Tar Heels. Bryant is the second commitment in UNC’s 2027 football recruiting class, joining 3-star athlete Skylar Robinson from Gardena, Calif.
🏀 Basketball
Seth Trimble is back after missing more than a month due to a weight-room accident that resulted in a broken left forearm. Aside from the obvious benefit of Trimble’s defense, athleticism, and leadership, the Tar Heels benefit greatly from the added lineup flexibility his return provides.
In No. 12 UNC’s dramatic 71-70 win over Ohio State, Trimble scored 17 points, dished out the game-winning “assist” to Veesaar, and defended the Buckeyes’ best player, Bruce Thornton.
Against ECU on Monday night, Henri Veesaar did his best Dirk Nowitzki impression, making 4-of-5 3-pointers and scoring 16 points. In the post-Dean Smith era prior to Veesaar’s arrival, there had only been two 3-pointers made by a Tar Heel 7-footer. Veesaar has 15(!) 3-pointers this season alone and leads UNC in three-point percentage.
