UNC linebacker Andrew Simpson has been recognized as one of college football’s leading transfers by earning a place on the On3 Sports Preseason All-Transfer Portal Team. Simpson, who transferred to the University of North Carolina from Boise State, is set to play a significant role in the Tar Heels‘ defense for the 2025 season.
A post from On3 Sports announced, “NEW: On3 College Football Preseason All-Transfer Portal Team (…) Do you agree? https://t.co/HiXxLZp3wUpic.twitter.com/8JzE7s6o48,” sharing their preseason selections on Aug. 20, 2025.
The Tar Heels welcome seventy new players this season, most of whom joined through the transfer portal. While much attention has focused on competitions for quarterback and other positions, Simpson’s arrival adds depth to a defensive unit replacing nine starters from last year.
Simpson is also included on the Dick Butkus Award Preseason Watch List, which highlights linebackers considered among the best in college football entering the new season.
Another linebacker named to the All-Transfer squad is Amare Campbell of Penn State, who played at North Carolina for two seasons and started in 2024.
During his previous season at Boise State, Simpson started eleven games with forty-five tackles (twenty-nine solo), three sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception he returned for twenty-five yards. His contributions helped Boise State reach its first-ever College Football Playoff appearance.
Although North Carolina has not yet released an official depth chart, Simpson is expected to start at linebacker alongside other recent transfers such as Mikai Gbayor from Nebraska and Khmori House from Washington.
With Power Echols having led last year’s linebacking group at North Carolina, expectations are high for Simpson as he steps into a key role this fall.
