UConn defensive lineman Pryce Yates has made his decision: he's heading to North Carolina. Sources confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday that Yates will join the Tar Heels' burgeoning transfer portal class under new head coach Bill Belichick.
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Yates, a redshirt junior from San Antonio, made a significant impression in his final game for UConn, earning defensive MVP honors in the Fenway Bowl after recording a sack and three tackles for loss during the Huskies' 27-14 win over the Tar Heels. Now, he'll suit up for the other side, aiming to finish his college career in the ACC.
The timing of Yates' decision comes on the heels of some strong comments from UConn head coach Jim Mora. Hours before Yates reentered the transfer portal on December 30, Mora took to social media to call out programs that have allegedly been tampering with his players.
On X, Mora issued a stern warning: "We do know who you are, we will pursue all avenues to hold you accountable." The coach made it clear that UConn is not backing down when it comes to defending its roster and program from any unethical recruiting tactics.
As for Yates, despite injury setbacks limiting him to just seven games in 2024, he was a standout with 21 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. He played a big part in the Huskies' most successful season in nearly two decades, finishing 9-4.
North Carolina, under Belichick's leadership, has quickly become a transfer portal powerhouse, adding 13 transfers since the coach's arrival in mid-December. As Yates now joins that growing list, he will be part of a program with big hopes for the future, especially after a high-profile coaching hire.
Yates initially entered the transfer portal on December 13 but had a change of heart, pulling his name just eight days later, stating his intentions to return to UConn for the 2025 season. His decision to reenter the portal after his bowl performance signifies the evolving nature of his college career. Now, he'll aim to make an immediate impact in Chapel Hill.
