“Locked In:” UNC Secures 3‑Star Center Jonathan Powell as No. 1 Priority Over SEC Powerhouses……
North Carolina’s basketball program landed a major transfer portal coup today, announcing the commitment of 6′6″ freshman Jonathan Powell from West Virginia. Emerging as their No. 1 portal priority, he spurned top suitors from the Big Ten and SEC, including Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, and Virginia Tech.
🚀 Rapid Rise via Transfer Portal
Powell’s decision unfolded fast:
On March 17, the Centerville, Ohio native officially entered the NCAA transfer portal .
Just over two weeks later on April 1, he announced his commitment to UNC after a Zoom call with Hubert Davis and staff .
Trusted insider reports confirm UNC prioritized securing Powell and moved swiftly, making him the first portal commitment this offseason .
Turning Down Elite Interest
Powell’s recruitment was high-profile, with offers from powerhouse programs:
Big Ten & Big 12 threats: Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, Indiana, Michigan State, Illinois, and Virginia Tech all actively pursued him .
Traditionally dominant SEC schools—Alabama and Texas A&M—also shared the table .
But UNC moved fast and confidently, trumping those offers on Powell’s short campus visit, which notably didn’t include physically visiting Chapel Hill until after his Zoom commitment .
Profile: On-Court Game & Stats
Powell debuted impressively at West Virginia:
Freshman year averages: 8.3 PPG, 3.1 RPG in 30 minutes per game .
Shooting splits: 37.8% overall shooting, 35.2% from three, though only 48% from the free throw line .
Plenty of perimeter threat—182 of his 251 shots came from beyond the arc, yielding 64 made threes .
Athletic 6′6″ frame and strong defensive potential—rated in the 92nd percentile for impact, turnover management, and playmaking at Rivals .
In high school, Powell commanded attention: the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association Player of the Year, averaging nearly 20 PPG, coupling scoring and efficiency (46.6% FG, 40% 3PT) .
What His Addition Means for UNC
Powell’s commitment sends strong signals:
He fills a length-driven wing need for UNC—his size and shooting address prior off-season questions.
2572-2With portal departures like Elliot Cadeau and Jalen Washington, UNC urgently needed perimeter shooters; Powell delivers that centerpiece .
He fits UNC’s blueprint: a 3-and-D wing capable of spacing the floor, defending multiple positions, and playing within an ACC-caliber system .
ACC, SEC & Beyond — Recruiting Uplift
UNC beating out SEC contenders is a recruiting triumph:
Elite programs like Alabama and Texas A&M were in full chase, yet Powell opted for UNC—underscoring the allure of Chapel Hill.
His commitment may tip recruiting momentum, positioning UNC ahead in landing other portal and high school targets.
Demonstrates Hubert Davis’s recruiting prowess and ability to vault UNC over traditional SEC prestige.
What’s Next for Jonathan Powell and the Tar Heels
Powell will officially visit Chapel Hill as part of the transition process .
He’s projected to rotate into wing minutes immediately, potentially as a starter depending on offseason moves.
With the program in flux—Drake Powell’s NBA decision still pending and other portal players possibly coming—Jonathan could play a key role in shaping the 2025–26 roster depth chart.
UNC fans have reason to celebrate. Powell is a polished prospect with high upside, blending sharpshooting, length, and defensive savvy. Beating both Big Ten and top-tier SEC offers, he affirms Carolina’s status as a premier destination in this new era of player movement.
Stay tuned for more updates as Powell officially visits and integrates into Coach Davis’s lineup strategy.