UNC head coach Mack Brown said the transfer portal would be a priority for his team this offseason, both in adding players from it and keeping his own players from entering it. The Tar Heels have already made a step in accomplishing the former, as Friday the program announced offensive lineman Corey Gaynor, formerly of the University of Miami, would be joining UNC next year. The 2022 season will be Gaynor’s last year of eligibility.

Gaynor spent four years with the Hurricanes, started each game at center during his sophomore and junior seasons and was named a team captain in 2020. He struggled with injuries in 2021 however, playing in just three games.

Gaynor will provide relief and a veteran presence to a UNC offensive line which struggled mightily in 2021, allowing an ACC-worst 45 sacks against quarterback Sam Howell. Center was a particularly troublesome position, with starter Brian Anderson missing time due to injury and reserves Quiron Johnson and Cayden Baker playing in his stead.

Gaynor’s transfer also comes shortly after Johnson announced he would be returning to UNC for a final season with the program. Senior offensive lineman Jordan Tucker also announced he would be entering his name in the NFL Draft after the Tar Heels’ Duke’s Mayo Bowl game against South Carolina on December 30. As of Friday, no other UNC offensive linemen have yet announced their intentions for next season.

 

Featured image via Miami Sun-Sentinel

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.

Related Stories
‹
UNC's Billy Edwards Named ACC Quarterback of the Week
After lighting up the scoreboard in the Tar Heels’ 38-35 loss against No. 1 Miami at Kenan Stadium Saturday night, UNC’s Billy Edwards was named the ACC Quarterback of the Week. Billy Edwards is your ACC Quarterback of the Week 💪 pic.twitter.com/LdhxhJSjuO — Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) November 2, 2026 Edwards put together one of the […]
This Week in UNC Sports: November 2-8, 2026
Election? What election? A busy fall for Tar Heel sports rolls on as several teams begin ACC Tournament play this week.
Even After Taking No. 1 Down to the Wire, the 24-Hour Rule Still Applies for UNC Football
UNC did not want to discuss moral victories following its gallant upset bid against No. 1 Miami Saturday night.
Late Fumble Dooms UNC Football in Loss vs. No. 1 Miami
A Billy Edwards fumble in the game’s final minute proved to be the game’s deciding play as No. 1 Miami survived an upset bid from UNC to win 38-35 in Kenan Stadium Saturday night. Carolina is still searching for its first-ever win against a top-ranked team, falling to 0-12 overall. “It sucks,” an emotional Edwards […]
Chansky's Notebook: Fork In The Road
Art Chansky looks back at the head coaching butterfly effect caused by UNC football's upset win against No. 4 Miami at Kenan Stadium in 2004.
'Sunday Night Football' Scrimmages Helping UNC Discover its Next Men Up
UNC's weekly "Sunday Night Football" scrimmages are giving coaches a glimpse at who could be the next stars on Saturdays.
UNC Football vs. Miami (2026): How to Watch, Cord-Cutting Options and Kickoff Time
UNC will host the top-ranked team in the country when Miami visits Kenan Stadium Saturday night. The Tar Heels are looking to beat the No. 1 team for the first time ever. If you aren’t attending the game in person, here’s how to follow along at home: Broadcast Schedule Those hoping to listen on the […]
Fans on the Field. Allegations of Home Cooking. Arrests. UNC Football's Last Halloween Home Game was Chaotic
When UNC takes the field against No. 1 Miami Saturday night, it will be the first time the Tar Heels have played a home game on Halloween in 56 years. And while the heavily-favored Hurricanes could make things downright spooky for Carolina fans, this weekend’s contest would have to do quite a bit to live […]
100 Years of Kenan Stadium: Mrs. Bunting's Secret Stuff
Reporter Andrew Jones goes through his memories of UNC's thrilling upset win against No. 4 Miami at Kenan Stadium in October 2004.
UNC's Derek McDonald Named ACC Linebacker of the Week
After collecting a career-high 16 tackles in UNC’s 31-30 overtime loss to Syracuse Saturday, Derek McDonald was named the ACC’s Linebacker of the Week. Derek McDonald is your ACC linebacker of the week! pic.twitter.com/1rZ8ke2Msa — Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) October 26, 2026 Of McDonald’s 16 total tackles, 11 came after halftime, including a three-yard tackle for […]
›