### BREAKING: Exclusive Ranking – The Four Most Prominent Recent UNC Basketball Transfers Who Got Away, Shaking Tar Heels’ Future
**CHAPEL HILL, NC – November 6, 2025** – In a stunning wave of roster upheaval that’s rocking the North Carolina Tar Heels program, the transfer portal has claimed some of UNC’s brightest talents over the past two offseasons. As the 2025-26 season tips off amid early exhibition buzz, insiders are buzzing about the massive “what if” factor for Hubert Davis’ squad. Today, in this exclusive breaking report, we rank the four most recent and prominent UNC basketball transfers who departed Chapel Hill – players whose exits have left gaping holes in the lineup and sparked fierce debate among Tar Heel Nation. These aren’t just any departures; they’re high-profile talents who were expected to be cornerstones, only to bolt for greener pastures (or bigger NIL deals). Drawing from portal trackers, expert analyses, and on-the-ground reports, here’s our definitive ranking based on their recruiting pedigree, on-court impact at UNC, potential lost, and success elsewhere.<grok:render card_id=”fa10c2″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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#### No. 1: Elliot Cadeau (Sophomore PG, Transferred to Michigan – Entered Portal March 2025)
Topping the list is the heartbreaking loss of Elliot Cadeau, the dynamic point guard who was UNC’s floor general for two seasons. A former five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American, Cadeau started 68 of 74 games in Chapel Hill, averaging 8.3 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.5 rebounds while dishing out dazzling passes in Hubert Davis’ up-tempo system. In 2024-25, he upped his game to 9.4 points and a team-high 6.2 assists, leading the ACC in assists per game at times despite a disappointing team finish (23-14 record, early NCAA exit to Ole Miss).<grok:render card_id=”964ca5″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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Cadeau’s departure on March 25, 2025 – just days after UNC’s season-ending loss – sent shockwaves through the program. Sources say frustration with turnovers (113, leading the ACC) and a desire for a fresh start under new Michigan coach Dusty May fueled the move. At Michigan, Cadeau is already projected as a top-10 Big Ten guard, with scouts praising his elite vision and speed. For UNC, losing their primary ball-handler means scrambling for replacements like incoming transfer Kyan Evans – a massive blow to continuity. Impact lost: Irreplaceable playmaking in a guard-heavy ACC. This one’s a program-changer; Tar Heels fans are still reeling.<grok:render card_id=”2464e7″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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#### No. 2: Ian Jackson (Freshman SG, Transferred to St. John’s – Entered Portal March/April 2025)
Clocking in at No. 2 is five-star freshman sensation Ian Jackson, the explosive scorer who lit up the Smith Center as a rookie. Ranked as a top-10 national recruit in the 2024 class, Jackson averaged 12.3 points per game, including a stretch of four straight 23+ point games – the first UNC freshman to do so. His athleticism and scoring bursts made him a highlight-reel staple, shooting nearly 40% from three and earning mock NBA draft buzz (projected mid-first to second round).<grok:render card_id=”4087c7″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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Jackson’s portal entry came amid reports of inconsistent minutes late in the season and a desire for a bigger role under Rick Pitino at St. John’s. He signed with the Red Storm in April 2025, joining a loaded transfer class. The sting? UNC recruited him heavily out of high school, and his departure leaves a void in perimeter scoring alongside returning vet Seth Trimble. Experts call this a “portal coup” for St. John’s, with Jackson poised for All-Big East honors. For Carolina, it’s a recruiting gut-punch – losing a homegrown (sort of) star who could’ve been the next RJ Davis.<grok:render card_id=”875034″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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#### No. 3: Cade Tyson (Junior Wing, Transferred Out After One Season – Entered Portal April 2025)
The Belmont sharpshooter who arrived with sky-high expectations takes the third spot. Tyson, a top transfer in 2024, averaged 16.2 points and 5.9 rebounds at Belmont, shooting a blistering 46.5% from three. Hyped as the heir to Cormac Ryan’s shooting, he was supposed to stretch defenses for RJ Davis & Co. But in 2024-25, Tyson struggled mightily at UNC: just 2.6 points in 7.9 minutes per game across 31 appearances, buried on the bench amid fit issues in Davis’ system.<grok:render card_id=”0b86d1″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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Entering the portal on April 11, 2025, Tyson cited a need for a “better opportunity.” Reports link him to mid-majors where his shooting can shine again – potentially 20+ PPG territory. UNC’s miss here highlights portal risks: high-pedigree additions don’t always pan out. Losing Tyson’s potential spacing hurt an already inconsistent offense. Prominent? Absolutely – his arrival was celebrated; his quiet exit, a cautionary tale.<grok:render card_id=”eb7a6b” card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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#### No. 4: Jalen Washington (Junior Forward, Transferred Out – Entered Portal March 2025)
Rounding out the top four is big man Jalen Washington, a former top-50 recruit whose injury-plagued UNC tenure ended in portal drama. The 6-10 forward averaged 5.7 points and 4.2 rebounds in 2024-25, providing frontcourt depth but struggling with consistency after missing early games due to knee issues. Paired with Ven-Allen Lubin (who briefly entered but returned), Washington was part of a promising post duo – until he hit the portal on March 25 alongside Cadeau.<grok:render card_id=”4264b3″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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His exit exacerbated UNC’s size woes, forcing aggressive pursuits of centers like Henri Veesaar (Arizona) and Jarin Stevenson (Alabama). Washington, with two years left, lands at a mid-major for more minutes – scouts say he has untapped rim-protecting potential. Prominent for his recruiting hype and the timing (dual departure with Cadeau), this one amplified the Heels’ rebuild frenzy.<grok:render card_id=”4141d3″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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These four departures – all from the 2024-25 roster – total over 30 combined starts and represent lost five-star talent, scoring, and depth. UNC countered with a strong incoming class (Veesaar No. 27 overall, Evans, Powell, Stevenson), ranking No. 22 nationally in transfers.<grok:render card_id=”acf204″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> But as the season dawns, questions linger: Can Davis plug these holes? Tar Heel faithful are optimistic yet anxious – this portal exodus could define the post-RJ Davis era.
Stay tuned for updates as UNC hits the court. Word count: 1,028.<grok:render card_id=”616866″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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