By R.L. Bynum
CHAPEL HILL — Andrew Simpson’s journey to North Carolina was never about taking the easy path. It was about finding the right fit, one that would challenge him and prepare him for what comes next.
A redshirt senior Boise State transfer, Simpson arrives in Chapel Hill with one year of eligibility remaining and a clear sense of purpose.
“I know I want to be a leader,” said Simpson, who is on the preseason watch list for the Dick Butkus Award that goes to the top linebacker in the country. “I want to hit the field with a last-play mentality, every play like it’s your last play. Play hard, play fast, and play physical. Be a coach on the field, somebody that you can depend on when the game’s on the line.”
Those aren’t empty words.
Simpson has experience playing on some of the biggest stages in college football. At Boise State, he faced playoff-caliber teams and delivered in key moments, including recording a sack and forcing a fumble against No. 7 Oregon.
He played in the College Football Playoff and the Mountain West championship game. Those experiences gave him the confidence to walk into Chapel Hill ready to lead from day one.
“Yeah, those are the games you live for,” he said. “Just playing against the very best competition, that’s something I always strive for.”
That mentality started long before Boise State — it began in the Los Angeles area at St. John Bosco, one of the most storied high school programs in the country.
“In high school, I would say winning was the standard,” Simpson said. “And coming out, I wanted to go to a program where that was the same thing and where people cared. That was my biggest thing.”
In those competitive situations, Simpson developed a pride in playing with a level of intensity that teammates can feel — playing angry.
“I want to make every play on the field, if it comes my way or not,” Simpson said. “I want to be there for my team with relentless pursuit in any way I can. So, just being dominant in that sense, I want to do everything for my team.”
At 6-foot, 238 pounds, Simpson looks the part of an ACC linebacker. But for him, size and strength aren’t enough without accountability and effort. Every practice rep matters because that mentality carries over to game day.
When Simpson entered the transfer portal, he didn’t rush the process. He knew what he wanted — and what he didn’t.
“Just focusing on what my true goals were, not only as a football player, but just as a person — going somewhere where the program cared,” he said. “They cared about winning, they cared about doing the right things on and off the field. They cared about just developing me as a player, knowing I only had one year left.”
He is another example of a player who aspires to play in the NFL, drawn by the allure of playing for Bill Belichick.
“I just wanted to be ready for the league when the league comes calling, and I felt like Coach Belichick — there’s nobody else better to go to for that,” he said.
Playing for a legend became the ultimate difference-maker. He saw the chance to be part of a championship pedigree with a coach who could help him develop. Every discussion with the the eight-time Super Bowl champion confirmed that he aligned with Simpson’s goals and that UNC was where he wanted to be.
“Focus on the small things that are going to just make a big, big deal when the time comes,” Simpson said. “So, honestly, just trying to boost my draft stock as much as I can.”
Simpson said the transition has been smooth, and he’ll never forget his first meeting with Belichick. Simpson said it was a long, great conversation with his family that made him feel welcome and made UNC feel like home.
“He was a lot more genuine, a lot more authentic than I feel people give him credit for,” Simpson said. “He was very easy to talk to, and he just made it simple — the reasons why we’re here, what we want to do, what they want to do with me. And it just made everything smooth.”
For Simpson, the Belichick factor hasn’t worn off — not even close.
“Every meeting I walk into, every new day, I just sit there and I understand that I’m in front of greatness,” Simpson said. “I’m going somewhere where he’s leading our team and our troops, and then we’re following him. So, the pinch-me moment, I would say, probably when I first met him, but it’s becoming more normal, because he just is such a good person.”
Simpson isn’t the only new face on defense. The Tar Heels have an almost entirely rebuilt defensive front, and Simpson likes what he sees from the group so far.
“They’re big, they’re hungry, they come into work every single day. They’re willing to learn, and they’re ready to just get after it,” he said. “I feel like all of us coming from different places, it’ll be easy to see a lot of individuals, but I feel like we did a great job at mending together as a team on and off the field.”
For Simpson, the next chapter isn’t just about fitting in at North Carolina. It’s about leaving a mark — on the field, in the locker room and in the eyes of NFL scouts.
“Honestly, the goal is to just play my best football for this team,” Simpson said. “I want to be a guy that you can count on in every situation. Leadership starts with consistency, and I want my teammates to know that I’m going to show up every day with the right mindset, the right effort, and the right energy. Everything I do, I want to help make this team better.”
That mindset extends to his professional aspirations as well. Simpson knows one year won’t define him entirely, but it can set the tone.
He could be part of the season when Carolina’s defense finally makes a difference in games.
Photo via YouTube screenshot
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