Heel Tough Blog: 2026 4✮ ATH Target Set to Announce Later This Week

@akaye_digital- Instagram

Following the commitment of Andrew Simpson from the transfer portal, it appears that the Tar Heels are turning their attention back towards the 2026 recruiting class and a looming commitment of one of their top targets.

As he revealed via social media on Friday afternoon, 2026 4✮ ATH Nasir Rankin will be announcing his commitment at a ceremony from his high school at 4:30 PM on Wednesday. The decision will involve a final five of UNC, Duke, Illinois, Nebraska and USC.

Rankin, the No. 192 overall prospect and No. 11 athlete in the 2026 class according to 247Sports Composite player rankings, hails from Morgan Park High School in Chicago, IL. Last year, as a junior, he finished with 40 receptions for 991 yards and 12 touchdowns and 110 rushing yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. The previous year as a sophomore at Whitney Young High School in Chicago, he hauled in 37 receptions for 441 yards and five touchdowns and carried the ball nine times for 249 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, he finished with 33 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, six interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown, six passes defensed, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He also had a big role on special teams, as returned 14 kicks for 367 yards, which averaged out to 26.2 yards per return.

Heading into the commitment, hometown Illinois will be the heavy favorite. As of right now, all six of the predictions are in favor of the Illini, including three that have been cast since yesterday. Barring something shocking, it looks like the Tar Heels will be looking elsewhere for help at the slot receiver spot in this 2026 class.