The Carolina Tar Heels baseball program is once again at a crossroads as the fall season dawns in Chapel Hill, bringing with it a wave of anticipation, uncertainty, and hope. After a memorable run to the ACC Tournament title last spring, the Tar Heels now face the challenge of rebuilding a roster that has been significantly reshaped by the MLB Draft and offseason departures. The first official practice kicked off on September 3, 2025, marking the beginning of a critical transitional phase for head coach Scott Forbes and his staff.
Last season’s success was built on the backs of veteran leaders and star performers, but the landscape has shifted dramatically. The departures of key players like National Pitcher of the Year Jake Knapp, who accounted for a staggering 19% of the team’s total innings, and catcher Luke Stevenson—both now embarking on professional careers—have left sizable gaps that demand to be filled. As Forbes himself faces the perennial challenge of replacing his most valuable assets, he’s turning to a mix of promising transfers and returning arms to forge a new identity for the Tar Heels.
“It sounds like a broken record to say year after year that Scott Forbes has his hands full trying to replace key players, but that rings true for this year’s squad after a large loss of veterans,” one report noted, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The leadership vacuum left by the graduation and drafting of captains Jake Knapp and Jackson Van De Brake is palpable, and the age profile of the team has shifted downward. The question on everyone’s mind: Who will step up to lead this group into a new era?
Enter the new faces. Perhaps the most closely watched addition is catcher Macon Winslow, a transfer from Duke who brings both ACC experience and an impressive offensive resume. Winslow slashed .278/.391/.490 in his final year at Duke, notching 48 RBIs, 55 hits, and nine home runs. While he may not replicate Stevenson’s power or strikeout-to-walk ratio, his skill set is different and potentially just as valuable. Winslow’s familiarity with Chapel Hill is more than superficial—he previously roomed with returning Tar Heel Gavin Gallaher during their time at Pro 5 Academy, a connection that could ease his transition into a leadership role behind the plate.
The infield gets a significant boost from another transfer: Jake Schaffner, a defensive stalwart from North Dakota State. Schaffner, the Summit League’s Defensive Player of the Year, boasts a career .353 batting average with 148 hits and just 65 strikeouts, alongside 34 stolen bases. Not only did he play in all 55 games for the Bison last year, but he also gutted out a hand injury to keep his streak alive during summer ball on the Cape. His grit and consistency are expected to set the tone for a Tar Heel infield undergoing a defensive facelift.
Owen Hull, a 6-4 utility man from George Mason, is another transfer set to make an impact. Hull posted a .367 average, an on-base percentage just shy of .500, 63 RBIs, and 41 walks last season. His prior experience facing UNC—he tallied two hits against the Tar Heels in April—should serve him well as he adapts to the ACC grind. The Tar Heels have also welcomed Erik Paulson from Stony Brook and the Georgia State duo of Colin Hynek and Michael Maginnis, further deepening the roster’s talent pool.
Despite the influx of new blood, the returning core is thin, especially among everyday position players. Only Gavin Gallaher and Carter French return from last year’s regular lineup. Gallaher, whose regional accolades speak for themselves, is expected to shoulder much of the offensive load and provide veteran presence. French, who broke into the starting lineup late last season, will also be counted on for stability.
The pitching staff, however, remains a source of optimism. While the loss of Knapp and Aidan Haugh (drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays) means the team lost 35% of its innings from last season, the Tar Heels return a formidable group of high-leverage arms. Ryan Lynch and Walker McDuffie, both of whom made waves as freshmen relievers, are back and bring invaluable experience in pressure situations. “The plus side for UNC is how many young arms were integral to last year. UNC lost 35% of its innings from last season, a significant total until realizing that Knapp accounted for 19% of the team’s total innings,” one analysis observed.
Jason DeCaro, now an upperclassman, is poised for what could be a breakout campaign. After an up-and-down sophomore year, DeCaro enters the fall as the most experienced pitcher on the staff, with scouts closely monitoring his progress. Supporting him are returning arms Folger Boaz, Olin Johnson, Cam Seagraves, and Tom Chmielewski, all of whom will be expected to step up in both starting and relief roles.
Leadership remains the central question as the Tar Heels embark on their fall journey. With the vocal leaders of years past now gone, the team will need new voices to emerge—whether from seasoned veterans like Gallaher or ambitious newcomers like Winslow and Schaffner. The coaching staff will be watching closely during fall practices, exhibition games, and the highly anticipated Blue and Navy World Series, set for October 7-9.
The fall schedule offers plenty of opportunities for the Tar Heels to gel as a unit. After the first official practice on September 3, the team will host Walters State for an exhibition game in October, providing a valuable measuring stick for the new look roster. The Blue and Navy World Series, an annual intrasquad showdown, will cap off the fall slate and give fans an early glimpse at how the pieces might fit together come spring.
As the leaves begin to turn in Chapel Hill, the sense of anticipation is unmistakable. The Tar Heels’ fall season is about more than just shaking off the rust—it’s about forging new leaders, building chemistry, and laying the groundwork for another title chase. With a blend of proven arms, dynamic transfers, and hungry returners, the path ahead is filled with both challenges and opportunities. The next few weeks will reveal much about the character and potential of this evolving squad.
For now, all eyes are on Boshamer Stadium as the Tar Heels take their first steps into a new era. The journey toward another ACC crown—and perhaps a deeper postseason run—starts now, with every practice, every pitch, and every swing carrying added weight. The action is underway, and the race to define the 2025 Carolina baseball identity is just heating up.