Bill Belichick is navigating through turbulent times as recent controversies continue to snowball in Chapel Hill. Still, the North Carolina Tar Heels‘ head coach made it clear that his commitment to the program isn’t wavering anytime soon. Amid the uncertainty, a former Boise State Broncos teammate of Ashton Jeanty has announced his transfer to the baby blue program.

Ahead of his first season at the helm of the Tar Heels, Belichick has been involved in recent rumors after his girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, and her presence on campus generated much buzz around college football.

However, Belichick has made it clear: “It’s a personal relationship. She doesn’t have anything to do with anything at UNC football,” Belichick said about Hudson, per NBC Sports. Still, the noise surrounding the Tar Heels won’t be canceled out that easily.

Football-wise, though, the Tar Heels are fully focused on gearing up for the upcoming 2025 NCAA season, hoping to become a powerhouse in the ACC and in the entire country—why not?

Running back Ashton Jeanty #2 of the Boise State Broncos stands ready for the start of the play during the second half against the Oregon State Beavers at Albertsons Stadium on November 29, 2024 in Boise, Idaho.

On that note, the Tar Heels learned exciting news as a former star on Jeanty’s Boise State is moving into campus in Chapel Hill and could turn it up a notch for Belichick’s defense in the 2025 college football campaign.

Boise State transfer linebacker Andrew Simpson has committed to play for North Carolina out of the NCAA transfer portal, On3’s Hayes Fawcett reported.

Simpson’s stats in 2024

Simpson arrives in Chapel Hill with one year of eligibility remaining in college football after playing three seasons and 40 games in Boise, Idaho. During the 2024 campaign, Simpson registered 46 tackles, 11.0 tackles for a loss, 3 forced fumbles, 3.0 sacks, and an interception.

Andrew Simpson #10 of the Boise State Broncos celebrates after making a defensive play during the fourth quarter against the UNLV Rebelsduring the Mountain West Football Championship at Allegiant Stadium on December 02, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Needless to say, Belichick has found a gem in the transfer portal who brings an unmatched combination of skill, experience, and leadership. Belichick has been characterized for his defense-first gameplan, and Simpson’s addition to the lineup might just be the final piece to the puzzle for the Tar Heels.

Debut

The North Carolina Tar Heels will kickstart their 2025 NCAA season, and Bill Belichick’s era, with a pivotal showdown against the TCU Horned Frogs at Kenan Stadium on September 1 at 8p.m. ET.