"Horrible decision" - CFB fans react as Bill Belichick lands 6'3" WR prospect in major transfer portal move to UNC

Bill Belichick and the North Carolina Tar Heels landed a wide receiver prospect in the transfer portal ahead of the 2025 college football season.

College football insider Pete Nakos of On3 reported that the Tar Heels landed Purdue transfer Nathan Leacock in the transfer portal. Leacock is a 6-foot-3 receiver who was a four-star recruit in the class of 2023 and had committed to Tennessee.

Leacock recorded one reception for 13 yards in 2024 with the Volunteers. He transferred to Purdue in the winter but never played a snap as he re-entered the portal in the spring and committed to North Carolina.

After the news came out, college football fans didn't like the move for the Tar Heels.

"Horrible decision. They don’t even have a coach," a fan wrote.

"Lateral move ngl," another fan commented.

"Was NEVER going to play at UT and our WR room is nowhere near elite. Went to Purdue for spring ball. What happened there? IDK. But he is trending towards being a career backup," a fan added.

Other college football fans, however, were excited about the move and thought Leacock could thrive at North Carolina.

"Have you read his HS scouting report on 247? Check it out. Excited to see this NC native in Carolina Blue (and not Tennessee Orange)," a fan said.

"Bill and Lombardi bringing the heat like Knapp, Haugh, and the rest of the Bosh Boys," a fan added.

"#UNC is building a talented young receiver room with tons of potential. Now it’s about turning that potential into production but I like the direction they’re headed," a fan wrote.

Leacock will look to compete for a backup role at North Carolina, but still could see plenty of time on the field.

"This is big for North Carolina," one fan wrote.

"Belichick putting together the pieces," another fan tweeted.

Leacock joins a Tar Heels receiver room that features the likes of Aziah Johnson, Kobe Paysour, and Jordan Sipp, among others.

Bill Belichick admits he's learning on the job at North Carolina

Bill Belichick didn't coach last season but will return to the sideline this season. The legendary NFL coach agreed to become the Tar Heels coach as he will call the shots in college football for the first time. After having spring practice, Belichick admits he still is learning all about the college game.

"I've learned so much being back in the college environment whether it be recruiting, the college game, the rules, the hashmarks, some strategy and putting a team together," Belichick said on "Good Morning America," via ESPN on May 16. "I learn every day."

Belichick and UNC will open their 2025 college football season on Sept. 1 against TCU.