Running back Omarion Hampton was the only UNC football player to hear his name called over the course of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Hampton was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers as the No. 22 overall pick. And although his teammates were not in the 257 picks that comprised the draft, many UNC players still have a chance to earn a roster spot.
Offensive lineman Willie Lampkin, linebacker Power Echols, defensive back Alijah Huzzie, tight end Bryson Nesbit, wide receiver J.J. Jones, tight end John Copenhaver and wide receiver Nate McCollum have all agreed to undrafted free agent deals with various NFL teams. Although they are not guaranteed a spot, these players can compete for one.
Lampkin is headed to the Los Angeles Rams. The 5-foot-11 offensive lineman transferred from Coastal Carolina during the 2023 season. In 2024, Lampkin earned First-Team All-American honors after not allowing a sack in 473 pass-blocking snaps. He also earned All-ACC honors and received the Jacobs Blocking Trophy — an award given to the best offensive lineman in the ACC.
Echols will look for a roster spot on the Chicago Bears. In 2024, Echols recorded 76 tackles in 12 games after back-to-back seasons with more than 100 tackles. Throughout his four years at UNC, Echols notched 306 tackles.
Huzzie is going to Houston to join the Texans. In 2025, he served as the team's punt returner while also recording 40 tackles, eight pass deflections and two sacks. He returned a punt for 69 yards against Georgia Tech. Throughout his career, he's contributed 145 tackles, 16 interceptions and 28 pass deflections. However, Huzzie is currently recovering from an ACL tear that he suffered at the 2025 Shrine Bowl.
Nesbit is heading to the midwest to look for a spot on the Minnesota Vikings. Before suffering a wrist injury during the middle of the season, Nesbit recorded 24 catches for 264 yards and three touchdowns in seven games. In 2023, Nesbit earned First-Team All-ACC honors, ending the season with 41 catches for 585 yards and five touchdowns. His 13 career touchdowns set a UNC record for a tight end.
Jones is joining the Jacksonville Jaguars. During his four seasons at UNC, Jones recorded 110 receptions, 1,794 yards and 11 touchdowns. The wide receiver saw the most production in 2023, finishing with 711 yards on 46 catches.
Copenhaver will reunite with Jones in Jacksonville. In 2024, the tight end recorded 414 yards on 40 catches. During his UNC career, Copenhaver had 75 catches and 924 yards.
