After losing a few players early in the spring transfer portal window, North Carolina football has now added its first new piece: linebacker Mikai Gbayor. The former Missouri (and Nebraska) defender committed to the Tar Heels and will arrive in Chapel Hill with two years of eligibility remaining.
Gbayor originally transferred from Nebraska to Missouri in December, but his time with the Tigers was brief. Now, the Irvington, New Jersey native is heading to UNC, continuing a unique transfer journey that’s seen him land with three programs in less than six months.
At Nebraska, Gbayor totaled 73 tackles across two seasons, including 49 in his sophomore year, with 20 of those being solo stops. He also contributed 9 tackles for loss, 3 pass deflections, and 1.5 sacks over that span.
The 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker fits the mold of what UNC head coach Bill Belichick has been emphasizing since taking over: building up the defense. Gbayor brings versatility and production to a linebacker group that will have a fresh look in 2025 but appears to be deeper and more competitive.
With several Tar Heels entering the portal this spring, there are still gaps on the roster that Belichick and his staff may look to fill before the season kicks off. Gbayor marks a strong first step in the program’s efforts to restock talent on that side of the ball.
