Heel Tough Blog: Tar Heel TE No Longer With Program

@double8._- Instagram

For the third time in the last 24 hours, the Tar Heels have had a player walk away from the program midseason.

As first reported by Inside Carolina, true freshman tight end Yasir Smith is no longer with the program. Smith, who joined the team as a defensive end back in the summer, signed with the Tar Heels on National Signing Day after receiving a late offer in February.

Smith, the No. 1738 overall prospect and the No. 189 defensive line prospect in the 2025 recruiting class, was a bit of an unexpected signing from the team late in the recruiting cycle after a senior season where he finished with all-region and all-state honors and was a replacement along the defensive line for the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas. Prior to last season, he spent most of his time on the offensive side of the football at tight end, leading to the Tar Heels feeling confident enough to move him back to that side of the ball in the fall.

With his departure, Smith joins wide receiver Paul Billups II, offensive tackle Trevyon Green and wide receiver Aziah Johnson as those to depart the program midseason. Smith also becomes the fourth member of the Tar Heels’ 2025 class that is no longer with the team.

At tight end, the Tar Heels are still in really strong shape this season. The room still has seven scholarship players, five of which have eligibility remaining after this season.