Another member of North Carolina’s 2026–27 roster has made his commitment official, as NC State transfer Matt Able has formally signed his agreement to join the Tar Heels next season, according to On3’s Pete Nakos on Thursday.
Able’s signing solidifies his move across the rivalry after entering the transfer portal from NC State, giving Michael Malone an experienced ACC guard as he continues reshaping UNC’s roster for his first season in Chapel Hill. The addition adds another proven conference-level piece to a team that is undergoing significant turnover heading into 2026–27.
For UNC, Able represents both depth and familiarity with high-level competition, having already logged meaningful experience in one of the nation’s toughest leagues. His arrival is expected to help stabilize a backcourt that has been heavily impacted by departures, while also giving Malone another rotational option capable of contributing on both ends of the floor.
The move further reflects UNC’s aggressive offseason approach in the transfer portal, as the program works to quickly rebuild its core around a mix of incoming transfers and new system fits under Malone.
Able’s signing comes just over two weeks after his initial commitment to North Carolina on April 21, formally finalizing a move that had quickly gained momentum following his entry into the transfer portal.
The Baltimore, Maryland native arrives in Chapel Hill with strong national respect in the portal rankings. He is rated as the No. 31 overall player in the transfer portal by On3, as well as the No. 9 shooting guard available, underscoring the level of talent UNC is adding to its backcourt.
For Michael Malone and his staff, Able’s profile brings both production and pedigree. His combination of scoring ability and ACC experience is expected to make him a key rotational piece as the Tar Heels continue reshaping their roster for the 2026–27 season.
“There is a lot to like with his game,” said Inside Carolina analyst Sean Moran following Able’s commitment. “I think the one thing to say off the games I watched, he did feel like a Carolina-type player, just in terms of how he approaches the game. His focus on winning, playing team basketball, and he provides versatility. Carolina is hoping for that big sophomore jump.”
The praise highlights why North Carolina was eager to secure Able’s commitment out of the transfer portal, viewing him as a player whose mentality aligns with the program’s expectations. His versatility and team-first approach are seen as key traits that could translate quickly into Michael Malone’s system, especially as the Tar Heels look to rebuild their rotation for the 2026–27 season.
With UNC reshaping its roster around a mix of transfers and developing underclassmen, Able is expected to be part of a core group tasked with providing stability, defensive effort, and consistent two-way production as the program transitions into a new era under Malone.
> Expert Analysis: UNC Commitment Matt Able Has Breakout Potential <<<
The 6-foot-6 wing entered the transfer portal while also testing the NBA Draft process on April 6 following a freshman campaign in Raleigh where he averaged 8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds in 21.8 minutes per game coming off the bench.
One of his standout performances came in NC State’s win over UNC on Feb. 17, when Able delivered a season-high 19 points. He shot 5-of-7 from three-point range in that game while also contributing six rebounds, showcasing both his perimeter scoring ability and toughness on the glass in a high-pressure rivalry setting.
That combination of efficiency and production in big moments is part of what made him a sought-after target in the transfer portal, with UNC ultimately securing a commitment from the Baltimore native as it continues reshaping its roster for the 2026–27 season.
