The North Carolina Tar Heels will continue their season without defensive end Pryce Yates, who has left the team because of recurring concussion issues. Yates’ departure marks the end of a short tenure with the program, as the transfer pass rusher had joined ahead of Bill Belichick’s first year in Chapel Hill, with hopes he could help fortify the Tar Heels’ defense.
According to InsideCarolina, a prominent UNC sports outlet, Yates’ decision came after ongoing health setbacks.
“Pryce Yates is no longer with the UNC football team, sources confirm. As we reported Monday, the former UConn standout had been weighing whether to remain with the Tar Heels due to a recurring injury concern.”
Yates’ situation echoes the concussion issues that hampered his final season at UConn, where he earned recognition as a disruptive edge defender. After transferring to Chapel Hill in January 2025, he was expected to bring experience and stability to a defense that struggled near the bottom of the ACC in sacks and quarterback pressures last season.
Unfortunately, Yates’ stint in Chapel Hill was short-lived. After suffering a concussion during preseason camp, he played in just one game — a 38–10 home loss to the Clemson Tigers — before symptoms returned. Sources indicated that Yates had been considering a medical retirement, a topic that has gained increasing attention amid growing awareness of concussions and player safety in college football.
His departure adds to the challenges facing a North Carolina defense already struggling to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Seven weeks into the season, the Tar Heels sit last in the ACC in sacks and near the bottom nationally in tackles for loss. In Yates’ absence, players such as Tyler Thompson and Smith Vilbert are expected to take on larger roles as the coaching staff reshuffles its defensive rotation.
For head coach Bill Belichick, the setback goes beyond the numbers. Losing Yates underscores the broader difficulty of establishing a physical, pro-style defense at the college level, where depth and injuries remain constant obstacles. It also highlights the unpredictability of the transfer market — where high-upside additions can be derailed by unforeseen health issues.
In the end, Yates’ departure is about more than roster adjustments. It serves as a poignant reminder of the human side of football — a gifted player choosing to safeguard his long-term well-being, and a North Carolina team once again adapting in a season marked by change.
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