The transfer portal is buzzing, and the North Carolina Tar Heels are still piecing together their roster for the 2026-27 season under first-year head coach Michael Malone. With the staff currently scouting talent overseas and weighing roster needs, the puzzle isn't quite finished yet. But while eyes are on Europe, there are still some intriguing, uncommitted big men stateside who could provide the frontcourt depth UNC is looking for.
Here’s a look at five available bigs who could be a fit in Chapel Hill—none are currently being actively recruited by the Tar Heels, but that could change in the coming days as the staff evaluates every option.
Player A
A 6-foot-9 forward who started just 2 of 34 games last season but made the most of his 14.8 minutes per game. He averaged 4.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks while shooting an efficient 63.7% from the field. He’s a proven rim protector and rebounder who could thrive in a bigger role.
Player B
A veteran big who began his career at Marshall before spending the last three seasons at Florida. He played only 16 games two seasons ago due to injury and is currently seeking an NCAA waiver for a fifth year of eligibility. When healthy, he’s a double-double threat with experience in two major conferences.
Player C
A true workhorse who started all 31 games last season, averaging 31.9 minutes, 13.0 points, and 10.3 rebounds per game to go with 1.2 blocks. He shot 52.9% from the field and even attempted 52 three-pointers, hitting 10 of them. He’s a versatile stretch-five who can anchor the paint and step out.
Player D
A former Florida State Seminole who started 35 of 48 games over two seasons in Tallahassee before starting all 34 games for FAU in 2024-25. He has appealed to the NCAA for a waiver after losing more than half of his freshman season at FSU due to suspension. He entered the NBA Draft but is expected to return to college if granted the waiver—making him a high-upside target.
Player E
A 6-foot-11 center who started 14 of 16 games last season, averaging 11.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game while shooting 47.1% from the field. He spent his first two seasons at Butler (redshirting in 2023-24) before starting 20 of 34 games at Evansville in 2024-25. He’s a physical presence with shot-blocking ability and a developing outside game.
Player F
A 7-foot center who started all 33 games last season, logging 23.8 minutes per game and putting up 7.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks while shooting 51.0% from the field. He also attempted 49 threes, hitting 15 of them. He appeared in 10 games at UCLA during the 2023-24 season before transferring.
With the Tar Heels still looking to add two or three more pieces, any of these big men could bring the size, rebounding, and rim protection that every contender needs. Stay tuned as the Malone era continues to take shape.