Seth Trimble Stuns College Basketball: Leaves UNC for Rival NC State and Head Coach Will Wade
In a move that has taken the college basketball world by storm, UNC guard Seth Trimble has announced his transfer to NC State, joining forces with new Wolfpack head coach Will Wade. The stunning decision, confirmed early Thursday morning, has left UNC fans and head coach Hubert Davis reeling, while instantly shifting the balance of power in one of the fiercest rivalries in college sports.
Seth Trimble, once a top-50 national recruit and a key contributor off the bench for the Tar Heels, was widely expected to become a foundational player in Chapel Hill heading into his junior year. His tenacious defense, athleticism, and growth as a playmaker had positioned him for a breakout season under Hubert Davis.
Instead, Trimble is heading to Raleigh—to suit up for the archrival Wolfpack and their newly appointed head coach Will Wade.
“Leaving UNC was not easy. I’m thankful for everything—the coaches, my teammates, and the fans,” Trimble wrote in his transfer announcement. “But I believe this is the best move for my future. I’m excited to start this next chapter at NC State and compete for something special under Coach Wade.”
UNC head coach Hubert Davis, clearly shaken when asked about Trimble’s departure, addressed the media on Thursday afternoon.
“To say I’m surprised would be an understatement,” Davis said. “Seth meant a lot to this program, and we had big plans for his development. We wish him the best moving forward, though this one hurts.”
According to sources close to the program, Trimble had not given much indication of his intent to leave—let alone join UNC’s biggest rival, just 30 miles away.
For NC State’s new head coach Will Wade, the acquisition of Seth Trimble marks a bold and immediate statement. Wade, hired earlier this offseason to rejuvenate the Wolfpack program, now adds a seasoned ACC guard with elite defensive skills and untapped offensive potential.
“Seth is a tremendous addition to our team,” Wade said. “He plays with heart, toughness, and a level of intensity that fits exactly what we’re building at NC State. I’m excited to coach him and help him take his game to the next level.”
Wade, known for his fiery coaching style and previous success at LSU and VCU, has wasted no time making waves in Raleigh. Landing a transfer directly from UNC—especially one as talented and promising as Trimble—is likely to fuel momentum heading into his first season with the Wolfpack.
For the Tar Heels, Trimble’s departure is a major loss, both in terms of talent and team chemistry. Expected to take on a larger role in the backcourt, his exit now forces UNC to reevaluate its guard depth and potentially explore late options in the transfer portal.
The timing—and destination—of Trimble’s move only adds salt to the wound for UNC fans, who had high hopes for the guard’s continued development in Carolina blue.
The reaction from fans has been explosive on both sides. UNC supporters are expressing a mix of disbelief and anger, especially over the decision to join NC State, while Wolfpack fans are hailing it as a seismic shift in the rivalry.
“He could’ve gone anywhere, but NC State? That’s betrayal,” one UNC fan wrote on social media.
Meanwhile, NC State’s fanbase erupted in celebration.
“Seth Trimble flipping from UNC to play for Will Wade? That’s the power shift we’ve been waiting for,” a Wolfpack fan posted.
Trimble’s decision to leave UNC for NC State is more than just a transfer—it’s a bold statement that reflects the new era of college basketball. With increased player freedom through the transfer portal and NIL opportunities, long-standing traditions are being rewritten.
The rivalry between UNC and NC State has always been intense, but this move ensures the next chapter will be hotter than ever. When the two teams meet again, the spotlight won’t just be on the court—it’ll be squarely on Seth Trimble and the choice that shook college basketball to its core.
