Elliot Cadeau Transfers to Michigan After Two Strong Seasons at UNC
Five-star point guard and former No. 1-ranked prospect Elliot Cadeau has officially left the North Carolina Tar Heels and committed to play for the Michigan Wolverines. The 6’1″, 180-pound guard spent two impactful seasons in Chapel Hill but has decided to take his talents to Ann Arbor for the 2025–26 season.
This move ends speculation surrounding Cadeau’s future after he entered the NCAA transfer portal in late March 2025 with a “do not contact” designation, signaling he already had a destination in mind. Just six days later, he announced his commitment to head coach Dusty May and the Wolverines.
Growth at UNC
Cadeau reclassified from the Class of 2024 to 2023 and joined UNC as a freshman phenom. In his first year, he averaged 7.3 points and 4.1 assists per game, starting nearly every game and immediately becoming the Tar Heels’ primary playmaker. His court vision and passing instincts were praised across the ACC, and he was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team.
In his sophomore season, Cadeau elevated his game, putting up 9.4 points, 6.2 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per contest while improving his shooting percentages. He shot nearly 45% from the field and bumped his three-point accuracy from a poor 18.9% to a much more respectable 33.7%. He ranked second in the ACC in assists and became a staple of UNC’s offense.
However, Cadeau’s time at UNC wasn’t without flaws. He struggled with turnovers (3.1 per game) and often found himself in foul trouble, which affected his rhythm and playing time. Despite those challenges, he showed clear potential as a floor general and facilitator.
Why the Transfer?
There are several possible reasons for Cadeau’s decision to leave UNC:
- Backcourt logjam: With other talented guards on the roster like RJ Davis and Seth Trimble, Cadeau may have felt limited in terms of usage and creative control.
- System fit: UNC’s structured offense may not have fully maximized Cadeau’s dynamic playmaking abilities. Michigan’s up-tempo, guard-friendly system under Dusty May could offer a better platform for his growth.
- NBA Aspirations: Cadeau has professional potential, and a fresh environment might give him a clearer path to elevate his game and draft stock.
What It Means
For UNC: Cadeau’s departure is a significant loss. He started 68 of 74 games during his two years and was one of the most skilled facilitators the program has had in years. The Tar Heels now face pressure to replace his production—either through the transfer portal or incoming recruits.
For Michigan: The Wolverines just landed one of the most talented pure point guards in the country. Cadeau brings leadership, elite passing, and two years of ACC experience. If he continues improving as a scorer and decision-maker, he could be a breakout star in the Big Ten.Elliot Cadeau’s move to Michigan marks a major shift in the college basketball landscape. While Tar Heel fans will certainly miss him, the Wolverines are gaining a proven, high-upside point guard ready to lead a new era in Ann Arbor.
