With the transfer portal nearing its close, commitment flips have become increasingly common. That reality hit Bill Belichick and the North Carolina Tar Heels this week, as the program lost a priority offensive line target.

The setback came when Baylor Bears offensive lineman Sean Thompkins reversed his commitment. Thompkins had pledged to North Carolina on January 6th but changed course after a visit to Baton Rouge, ultimately committing to LSU under head coach Lane Kiffin.

The move highlights Lane Kiffin’s aggressive approach late in the transfer window. Sean Thompkins becomes LSU’s fifth transfer addition along the offensive line and another key pickup for a staff that has been particularly active since Kiffin took over in Baton Rouge.

The 6’5″, 300 lbs lineman appeared in 10 games for the Baylor Bears last season, starting the final five contests at left tackle and logging 460 snaps. A former three-star recruit in the 2023 class, Thompkins will have two seasons of eligibility remaining with LSU.

Sean Thompkins’ commitment flip is just one of several losses Bill Belichick has faced in a short span. Offensive lineman Miles McVay has committed to the Mississippi State Bulldogs after spending last season with the North Carolina Tar Heels. Injuries limited McVay to eight games, but his departure further strains an offensive line group that has already lost Jani Norwood, William Boone, Zach Rice, and Desmond Jackson.

With so many exits, pressure has continued to mount on Belichick. The turbulence has not been limited to the roster either. One of Belichick’s key supporters, former UNC Board of Trustees chairman John Preyer, has reportedly stepped down. Preyer joined the board in 2019 and played a role in hiring Belichick, believing his NFL pedigree could bring immediate results. Following a disappointing 2025 season, that decision drew significant backlash.

“I find it hard to believe that a great teacher of football is not going to succeed at the college level,” Preyer said in a WRAL documentary on Belichick’s hiring. “If I’m wrong, what the hell? I tried.”

Preyer’s resignation signals that accountability for the program’s struggles has extended beyond the coaching staff and into the administration. Combined with the fact that 29 players have exited the program, recent weeks have been especially difficult for Belichick and North Carolina.

Bill Belichick’s one bright spot

Not everything has gone against Belichick during the transfer portal window. Defensive back Greg Smith reversed his decision to enter the portal and will return to North Carolina, providing a much-needed boost to the roster.

Smith’s role steadily grew over the 2025 season, as he logged at least 33 snaps in each of UNC’s final five games. He finished the year with 24 total tackles, including 16 solo stops, and one interception. Smith transferred to UNC from Florida Gators ahead of the 2025 season, after appearing in five games and recording five tackles at Florida.

Smith was also one of just four defensive backs to log at least 200 snaps for the Tar Heels, alongside Kaleb Cost, Jaiden Patterson, and Coleman Bryson. After a turbulent season, his decision to stay represents a rare vote of confidence in Belichick.

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