Nov 22, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick watches play during the first half against the Duke Blue Devils at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-Imagn Images William Howard-Imagn Images

North Carolina Lands Top Tackling Linebacker

Originally posted on North Carolina Tar Heels on SI
By Logan Lazarczyk | Last updated Jan 8, 2026 1:00 PM ET

There were several areas in which the North Carolina Tar Heels lacked last season, as the program finished with a 4-8 record and failed to qualify for bowl eligibility for the first time in eight years.

It goes without saying that 2025 was the worst season in recent memory for North Carolina's football program. That is even more disappointing when considering how much the Tar Heels invested in head coach Bill Belichick, who was hired before the start of this past season.

One area that was not short of production was the linebacker department. However, North Carolina lost its top players at that position, including Khmori House, who announced his intent to enter the transfer portal in early December.

Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

"This year has been a rollercoaster, and the sport of football has always kept me afloat and level-headed," House wrote on Instagram. "Even though it might not be what seems to be the correct or normal decision, what some people might look at as a loss, I take as a lesson. I learned so much this year, not only about football but also how to carry myself through life. This was another chapter in my life, which I'm super grateful for, but I'm ready to open up my next one and thrive in it."

House led the defense with 81 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss in 2025. North Carolina's defense struggled at various points this season, and now without it'd maim three contributors in that department, the Tar Heels were clearly short-handed in that retrospect.

However, on Tuesday night, the Tar Heels received word that Richmond linebacker transfer Peyton Seelmann intends to commit to North Carolina.

What This Means for the Tar Heels

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North Carolina just landed one of the most productive linebackers from this past season. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound sophomore ranked top 10 in the country in total tackles, recording 120 tackles in 2025. Additionally, Seelmann accounted for 2.5 sacks, four quarterback hurries, two interceptions, five pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

The Tar Heels landed a complete player at a position of need that was desperate for someone to step in and replace House's production. North Carolina may have done just that with this signing.
There are still plenty of voids on this roster, but this may have been the best transfer acquisition that North Carolina has been able to orchestrate since the portal opened on Jan. 2.

This article first appeared on North Carolina Tar Heels on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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