Kepley, a 2022 South Rowan High grad, was drafted in the second round, 56th overall Sunday night by the Chicago Cubs. He began his college career at Liberty, before transferring to the Tar Heels for his junior season. This spring, the UNC leadoff batter led the team in on-base percentage (.451), steals (45), and walks (71).

With their second-round pick, the Cubs chose Kane Kepley, a left-handed outfielder from North Carolina. At 5-foot-8, Kepley walked on at Liberty in 2023 and then transferred to North Carolina for the 2025 season. In between, he had an All-Star summer in the Cape Cod League in 2024.

Kepley was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the second round of the draft at No. 56 overall, being the second Tar Heel to be drafted on Sunday night. He joins catcher Luke Stevenson who was taken by the Seattle Mariners.