Heel Tough Blog: 2026 Early Signing Class Breakdown

In the three day early signing window, the Tar Heels signed 39 members of 2026 class, the second most of anyone in college football behind only West Virginia. With all 39 commits that the team has having signed with the program, here is our breakdown of the class.

Class Rankings

247Sports- Overall: No. 17 | ACC: No. 3

On3/Rivals- Overall: No. 17 | ACC: No. 3

ESPN- Overall: No. 12 | ACC: No. 2

4✮ S Jakob Weatherspoon- Avon (Avon, OH)

247Sports: No. 147 overall, No. 13 S

On3/Rivals: No. 141 overall, No. 12 S

ESPN: No. 188 overall, No. 19 CB

Composite: No. 134 overall, No. 12 S

Weatherspoon, who measures in at 5’10, 172 lbs. might be slight in terms of his frame, but he is as complete of a safety as you are going to find in this class. The first thing that sticks out is the motor that he constantly shows off, running down play after play even if he is not in the area where the play is initially happening. His speed is very impressive and when combined with his ability to break on the football, it makes life tough for opposing quarterbacks. Even though he doesn’t pile up interceptions, he does a great job of making plays on the football and coming away with important pass breakups, especially in the deep part of the field. He gets in and out breaks smoothly and efficiently and when he is forced to play one-on-one in coverage, he does so handles his own pretty well. As a run defender, he boasts some nice physicality to go along with the speed, leading to big hits at times. He is also a strong tackler, doing a good job of wrapping up in open space to avoid big plays.

4✮ CB Kenton Dopson- Miami Norland (Miami, FL)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 34 CB

On3/Rivals: No. 147 overall, No. 20 CB

ESPN: No. 99 overall, No. 14 CB

Composite: No. 147 overall, No. 20 CB

Dopson is the type of corner that the Tar Heels were lacking in this class. He thrives in man coverage, especially in press man situations. In terms of opening his hips, he looks really smooth and that allows him to stick with receivers really well on the routes deep down the field. His ability to play the football is encouraging and he brings a level of physicality that will be more than welcome at the corner spot. He also excels at breaking on the football which allows him to make so many of those plays on the ball. The hope is that he can come in here and be an immediate contributor.

4✮ ATH CJ Sadler- Cass Technical (Detroit, MI)

247Sports: No. 154 overall, No. 8 ATH

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 11 ATH

ESPN: No. 127 overall, No. 6 ATH

Composite: No. 174 overall, No. 5 ATH

Sadler, who measures in at 5’9.5, 185 lbs., is a player who is capable of playing both sides of the ball at a pretty high level. Offensively, he shines as a receiver for a multitude of reasons. He has a huge catch radius for someone who is as short as he is and he does a great job of creating separation and finding a way to get open. His route tree is pretty complete and his route running is very crisp, making him a tough cover. He does a good job of catching the ball with his hands as opposed to allowing the ball to get into his body and because of that, is a reliable receiver that can be trusted to come up with the big catches when needed. After the catch, he is plenty shifty, making him difficult to tackle when you pair it with his promising speed. On defense, he looks like he could be a perfect fit in the nickel corner spot. He is a guy who can thrive in either man or zone coverage because of that speed that he brings to the table and the fact that he is so good when it comes to playing the football. Where he really shines is as a tackler because he does a great job of not overpursuing or taking bad angles to the ball carrier while still being aggressive when it comes to getting into the backfield. He is not afraid of playing with physicality and is as sure-handed a tackler as you are going to find at the corner spot in this class. Size is the biggest concern with him, but it shouldn’t take him long to contribute, considering the level of competition that he faces at the high school level and how he has shined in the camp setting when matched up with some of the best in the country.

4✮ QB Travis Burgess- Grayson (Loganville, GA)

247Sports: No. 95 overall, No. 7 QB

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 27 QB

ESPN: No. 292 overall, No. 9 QB-DT

Composite: No. 189 overall, No. 12 QB

Burgess fits the bill of the type of quarterback that has a chance to eventually make it to the NFL level. He has the ideal frame at 6’5, 205 lbs. and he has plenty of arm strength to go with it. He combines the strong arm with some nice accuracy at all three levels of the field. He does a great job of navigating pressure in the pocket and keeping his eyes down field and his footwork is incredibly promising, especially for someone at the high school level. He does a good job of making plays on the run and he is an extremely effective runner when he chooses to tuck the ball. The biggest concern is the fact that he is only a one year starter at the high school level, but the promise that he showed last season at one of the top high schools in the country should have Tar Heel fans feeling like he has the upside to be the team's next standout quarterback. 

4✮ WR Keeyun Chapman- Jackson (Jackson, AL)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 39 WR

On3/Rivals: No. 280 overall, No. 38 WR

ESPN: No. 68 overall, No. 10 WR

Composite: No. 201 overall, No. 33 WR

Chapman is everything that you are looking for in a No. 1 receiver. At 6’5, 215 lbs., he has a really nice frame and uses it well to box out defensive backs and catch the ball as he is absorbing contact. After the catch, that frame combines with the physicality that he plays with to allow him to shed tackles and pick up those very important yards after the catch. When it comes to actually catching the football, he has reliable hands and has a pretty big catch radius that allows him to haul in just about anything that is thrown his way. Prior to catching the ball, he does a good job of creating separation with his promising speed and his polished route running with a route tree that is as full as any receiver in this class. Chapman has all of the tools to come in and be the next great receiver at Carolina, but at the least, he has the talent to be a contributor early for the team.

4✮ DL Vodney Cleveland- Parker (Birmingham, AL)

247Sports: No. 199 overall, No. 27 DL

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 57 DL

ESPN: No. 228 overall, No. 17 DT

Composite: No. 252 overall, No. 29 DL

Cleveland, who stands at 6’4, 305 lbs., has impressive size already and could fit at either defensive tackle spot for the team. He thrives as a bull rush specialist who simply overpowers guys to get into the backfield and make plays. There are multiple times on film where he simply throws offensive linemen aside to make plays, showing just how powerful his upper body is. With his level of physicality, he doesn’t have to use technical moves to get off of blocks often, but when he does, they are very effective. He has a strong release off the line of scrimmage, as well, which puts him in an advantageous position right out of the gate and makes him hard to stay in front of. This is a perfect addition for a Tar Heel team that needs talent at this position and he could be someone that has an early effect in Chapel Hill once he gets to campus.

4✮ LB DQ Forkpa- St. Frances Academy (Hoschton, GA)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 28 LB

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 49 LB

ESPN: No. 135 overall, No. 13 OLB

Composite: No. 299 overall, No. 16 LB

Forkpa is a versatile athlete that should be able to play off the ball or on the edge for the Tar Heels when he arrives. He has the speed to succeed at either position and his motor allows to make about any play on the field. His ability to get in and out breaks quickly allows him to succeed in coverage, something that will allow him to get on the field quicker when he arrives. He is a strong tackler that can take aggressive angles to the football because of his speed and athleticism. As a pass rusher, he does a great job of winning off the snap and will cause problems for tackles that he is matched up against. I envision the Tar Heels being able to use him a lot like how they used Andrew Simpson this season because of how many different spots they can line him up at. Expect Forkpa to be an early contributor in Chapel Hill.

4✮ LB Calvin Thomas- Cy Ranch (Houston, TX)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No.34 LB

On3/Rivals: No. 163 overall, No. 8 LB

ESPN: No. NA overall, No. 38 OLB

Composite: No. 316 overall, No. 18 LB

Thomas, who measures in at 6’3, 210 lbs., is an aggressive, downhill linebacker who loves making plays in the running game. His mindset makes him an effective off-ball linebacker and his ability to easily shed blocks allows him to live in the opposing backfield and make plays as a run defender and blitzer. He has great lateral speed and the sideline-to-sideline speed shows up, as well, even though he doesn’t utilize it as much on film. There should be no questions about his motor, which appears to run hot, just like the rest of the players that the staff is adding in this class. We don’t see him drop into coverage anywhere on his highlight tape suggesting that is an area that he needs to work on, but with his athleticism, this is an area he should be able to get better in at the college level. This is a massive addition for the future of the linebacker room and Thomas brings enough talent to the table that he might be able to have an impact early in his time on campus.

4✮ WR Carnell Warren- Bluffton (Bluffton, SC)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 57 WR

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 62 WR

ESPN: No. 287 overall, No. 45 WR

Composite: No. 332 overall, No. 52 WR

Warren, who measures in at 6’4.5, 195 lbs., is a very complete receiver who can affect the passing game at all three levels. He does a really good job of creating separation at all levels of the field because of the strong route running and speed that he brings to the table. He is a really strong hands-catcher of the football and it shows up all over his film, especially on the plays deeper down the field. He uses his size well when it comes to winning 50/50 balls, primarily in the red zone, and that will be something that will be welcomed in Chapel Hill. Warren is a great fit alongside Keeyun Chapman and gives the Tar Heels two big-time playmakers in this class that should be a major part of this receiving corps in future years.

4✮ DL Trashawn Ruffin- North Duplin (Mount Olive, NC)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 35 DL

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 105 DL

ESPN: No. 294 overall, No. 23 DT

Composite: No. 334 overall, No. 39 DL

Ruffin is a monster in the middle of the line that clogs everything up, especially in the run game. He does a tremendous job of simply shedding blocks and making plays on the ball carrier in the backfield. He has a strong upper body that allows him to throw blockers aside with ease. When he gets to the ball carrier, he treats them like rag dolls, simply throwing them to the ground. He brings some nice athleticism for his size, which allows him to cover multiple gaps, something that is sorely needed in this defensive front right now. He’ll need to bring his pad level down a bit and there will be a natural learning curve for him, but he has the tools to be a three or four year contributor along the defensive front for the team.

3✮ OT J.B. Shabazz- East Forsyth (Winston-Salem, NC)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 54 OT

On3/Rivals: No. 213 overall, No. 22 OT

ESPN: No. NA overall, No. 73 OT

Composite: No. 432 overall, No. 33 OT

When you turn on the film, there is a lot to like about Shabazz’s game. As is the case with most of the offensive line additions in this 2026 class, he has all of the measurables at 6’6, 315 lbs. He has heavy hands and plenty of upper body strength that makes it tough for opposing defensive lineman or linebackers when he gets his hands on them. In the run game, he is a mauler that simply drives guys back off the line of scrimmage and often tosses guys to the side. He also looks pretty solid in  pass protection, although squattier and speedier defensive ends could give him some problems. He shows a nice level of violence at times, but just has to make it more consistent when he gets to the college level. This is another guy with the right body style that the staff feels they can turn into an elite player with the skillset that you already see from him at the prep level.

3✮ IOL Da’Ron Parks- Nitro (Nitro, WV)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 44 IOL

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 101 IOL

ESPN: No. 217 overall, No. 25 OT

Composite: No. 443 overall, No. 41 IOL

Parks is a monster at 6’4, 360 lbs. and plays like it. He is incredibly physical, even for an offensive lineman and simply ragdolls players at the point of attack especially in the run game. He has violent hands and plenty of upper body strength which allows him to drive defensive linemen back off of the line of scrimmage. There is absolutely no concern about him playing with a mean streak and the motor in general looks very high, especially for a guy of his size. His footwork looks good, especially in pass protection, but a move inside is still probably the path to most success for him. He has the body style and physicality to play immediately at the college level and he’ll have a good shot to at least be part of the rotation in his first season with all of the departures in that interior offensive line room.

3✮ DL Jimmy-Phrisco Alo-Suliafu- Katy Jordan (Katy, TX)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 38 DL

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 55 DL

ESPN: No. NA overall, No. 44 DT

Composite: No. 455 overall, No. 49 DL

At 6’3, 265 lbs, Alo-Suliafu has some nice size for that edge rusher role that the Tar Heels are looking for, but he is very versatile and succeeds on the inside despite not having the size. It all starts with his nice release off the line of scrimmage which does allow him to win some reps against the slower tackles and guards. His speed isn’t mind-blowing, but he does have the willingness and want to, which allows him to track guys down and make plays. He plays with an impressive level of physicality, especially for someone of his size, and does an outstanding job of mixing in the technical pass rushing moves when needed to help shed blocks. He utilizes his arms well and has good hand placement, which allows him to knocks offensive lineman back with his powerful up body and toss them aside. Figuring out which position they want to play him at will be key for the Tar Heels here, but there is a lot of upside for him at both positions. It may take him some time as it does with most linemen to navigate the learning curve and step up in physicality, but he has a chance to be a nice multi-year contributor for the Tar Heels once he gets here.

3✮ CB David Davis- Imani Christian Academy (Pittsburgh, PA)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 30 ATH

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 44 CB

ESPN: No. NA overall, No. 26 ATH

Composite: No. 456 overall, No. 46 CB

Davis, who measures in at 6’0, 190 lbs., is another versatile piece that the staff has added to this class. He spent most of his time this season at the deep safety spot and has looked really good in that role. He looks very fluid getting in and out of breaks and has plenty of speed that allows him to break on the football. He is a player that shines in zone defense because of those attributes and his ability to read the eyes of the quarterback. He isn’t put in 1-on-1 coverage often, but when he is, he holds his own. He feels like a good fit at safety, but they could also be looking to use him at corner as he is listed on other recruiting sites. He has the potential to play early, as well, when he arrives to Chapel Hill next year.

3✮ EDGE Zavion Griffin-Haynes- Rolesville (Rolesville, NC)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 39 EDGE

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 82 EDGE

ESPN: No. NA overall, No. 44 DE

Composite: No. 474 overall, No. 47 EDGE

At 6’6, 230 lbs., the measurables are there for Zavion to play immediately at the college level. His ability in run defense is also incredibly encouraging, especially with how well he is able to set the edge and that ferociousness that he has once he gets to ball carriers. The motor should not be questioned at all, as his film contains multiple examples of him running down ball carriers from the opposite side of the field or even down the field. His speed is very good off the edge and when combined with the solid release that he has off the line of scrimmage, it puts him in a position to make plays pretty consistently in the backfield. The sack numbers are concerning on the surface, but when you watch the tape, you see a player who is focused on making the smart play as opposed to the aggressive play with how he will drop into coverage on backs and get his hands up to knock down balls at the line of scrimmage. The area where he will need to improve in his game is the level of physicality that he plays with because he will need it to succeed in college. If he can develop that edge that you need to play along that defensive front at this level, the sky is the limit for what he can become.

3✮ DL Viliami Moala- Thompson (Alabaster, AL)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 73 DL

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 125 DL

ESPN: No. 249 overall, No. 19 DT

Composite: No. 487 overall, No. 53 DL

At 6’3, 340 lbs., he has the size and skillset to take up two gaps and stop the run the way that the Tar Heels want their nose tackles to do. He does a great job of shedding blocks with his size and length and a nice level of physicality to the table. He has a very solid release off the line of scrimmage and moves well for someone of his size. This looks like a solid addition to the Tar Heels' defensive line class that could grow into a key piece of the unit during his career.

3✮ IOL Jonah Rodriguez- Southwestern College (Chula Vista, CA)

247Sports: No. 50 JUCO overall, No. 9 JUCO OT

On3/Rivals: No. 18 JUCO overall, No. 2 JUCO IOL

ESPN: No. NA JUCO overall, No. 11 JUCO OG

Composite: No. 45 JUCO overall, No. 2 JUCO IOL

Rodriguez is another nice addition to the Tar Heels offensive line class and has some experience, albeit not much, that he brings with him. At 6’4, 300 lbs., he has the frame needed to succeed at one of the tackle spots at this level. He looks really powerful in run blocking situations where he simply mauls defensive ends and ends a lot of reps with his defenders a few yards down the field. He plays with the mean streak that you need to be able to play with at this level, so there should be no worries there. He has violent hands and plenty of upper body strength, which allows him to succeed at the point of attack. Pass protection is probably the biggest concern with him right now, especially since he spent a lot of time at guard and center in his time at Arizona, but he had some solid reps on film that point to the fact that there is something to build on there. He might be in line to start for the team next year or anything like that, but this is another solid addition who could play just about anywhere along that offensive line.

3✮ IOL Will Conroy- IMG Academy (Cleveland, OH)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 29 IOL

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 106 IOL

ESPN: No. NA overall, No. 3 OC

Composite: No. 585 overall, No. 53 IOL

Conroy has pretty good size at 6’2.5, 280 lbs. and is the type of player that the team is wanting along the offensive line. He plays with the mean streak that the Tar Heels are looking to add in that room, which leads to a lot of pancake blocks and opens up a lot of holes for his running backs. His athleticism allows him to thrive as a pull blocker, which he does a fair amount when the team plays him inside at right guard. His lateral movement is solid and allows him to stay in front of most edge rushers that he faces at the high school level, but will need to improve if his going to play tackle at the college level. On the interior, his pass protection should be much of an issue because he has strength and violent streak to be able to handle what interior defensive linemen are going to throw at him. This is a nice new headliner for the team’s offensive line class and is someone who could be trending up as the season goes along now that he is at one of the most prestigious schools in the country. It could take a little time once he gets to campus to contribute as it does with a lot of linemen, but if the mean streak can transfer from high school, he might have a chance to make an impact early in his career.

3✮ CB Julian Peterson- Winslow Township (Atco, NJ)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 45 CB

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 54 CB

ESPN: No. NA overall, No. 74 CB

Composite: No. 617 overall, No. 58 CB

Peterson is a very nice addition to this cornerback class. At 6’2, 175 lbs., he has plenty of positional size to be able to play on the outside and also provides the versatility to play on the inside if the Tar Heels were to need him there. He is a tremendous man cover corner that can be physical at the line of scrimmage when he needs to. He has fluid hips that allow him to open up quickly and seamlessly stay with receivers on downfield routes and his ability to get in and out of breaks is a major strength. One thing that might surprise you is just how good of tackler he is and how physical he can be in those situations, as well. The motor is right where it needs to be and he has a nose for the football that may not show up a ton on tape, but could translate to the next level because of just how hard he plays.

3✮ EDGE Ashton Blatt- Central Catholic (Pittsburgh, PA)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 44 EDGE

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 87 EDGE

ESPN: No. NA overall, No. 73 EDGE

Composite: No. 646 overall, No. 70 EDGE

Blatt, who stands at 6’4, 230 lbs., already has pretty good size both in height and weight to play that edge rusher position at the college level. He uses that length well to keep tackles’ hands off of him when he rushes the passer and alters passing lanes from time to time. He wins more often with speed rushes as opposed to bull rushes, but that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t play with a nice level of physicality as well. His overall speed might not blow anyone away, but his ability to close on quarterbacks when he gets free from the block is what makes him a dangerous pass rusher. As a run defender, he is aggressive off the edge and does a good job of crashing inside to make tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage. His motor might be the best element of his game, as he is involved in every play and is more than willing to run plays down from behind. At the college level, he will have to add a little more physicality to his game and prove he can set the edge in the run game, but there is plenty of potential here.

3✮ RB Crew Davis- Iona Prepatory School (New Rochelle, NY)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 61 RB

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 44 RB

ESPN: No. NA overall, No. 31 RB

Composite: No. 668 overall, No. 40 RB

Davis is an explosive player, especially in the open field, showing amazing straight line speed and burst constantly on film. He is a decisive runner who picks his holes quickly and hits them hard. He can create missed tackles by changing direction on a dime or by running through tackles, which allows him to pick up yards after first contact. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield will be hard to compete with in this class, especially with how complete his route tree is for a running back. Davis is a really solid addition to this class and has the chance to be one of the most dynamic running backs that the team has had in years.

3✮ CB Jaziel Hart- North Cross School (Roanoke, VA)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 70 CB

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 45 CB

ESPN: No. NA overall, No. 70 CB

Composite: No. 685 overall, No. 63 CB

Hart is a dynamic athlete that has found plenty of success on both sides that the team appears like they will play at corner. He loves to bring the physicality on the outside in press man coverage and thrives in those situations, something that the Tar Heels are wanting in their defensive backfield. He does a good job of getting in and out of breaks and closes on the football well. His ball skills are promising and he has the ability to make plays on 50/50 balls with just how explosive he is. He is a strong tackler that steps up to make plays in the run game and his motor runs hot with how he chases plays down from behind. It might take him some time before he becomes a major contributor at corner, but he has plenty of special teams ability that will allow him to make an early impact.

3✮ IOL Zion Smith- DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, MD)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 56 IOL

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 78 IOL

ESPN: No. NA overall, No. 38 OG

Composite: No. 727 overall, No. 72 IOL

Smith gives the Tar Heels a nice building block to start out their 2026 offensive line class. He destroys defenders with his powerful hands and tremendous upper body strength, especially in run blocking situations. He overpowers defenders constantly with the mean streaks that he plays with and piles up pancakes. He moves pretty well for a guy of his size (6’5, 300 lbs.) and is certainly capable of being a pull blocker. His footwork isn’t the greatest, which is why he is likely to kick inside, but he does have some solid lateral movement that should allow him to pass protect at a solid enough level if he is going to play guard. Playing for a national powerhouse like DeMatha should also give him a better chance to contribute early at the college level. This is a really solid addition for the Tar Heels for the future of their offensive line room that can provide depth right away and challenge for a starting job sooner rather than later.

3✮ CB Xavier Jackson- Bergen Catholic (Burlington, NJ)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 57 CB

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 114 CB

ESPN: No. NA overall, No. 56 CB

Composite: No. 729 overall, No. 69 CB

Jackson, who measures in at 6’2, 185 lbs., has some very nice size on the outside that the team was needing in this class. He has the ability to succeed in either zone or man coverage and when he plays in press man situations, he does a good job of being physical at the line of scrimmage. He does a good job of playing the football as he makes smart breaks on the ball to knock it down. His speed doesn’t seem like nearly the strength that it is for some of the team’s other committed defensive backs, so quicker receivers may give him some issues. Still, there is a lot to like about his game and if he can prove that he can make plays on the football consistently, there will be a role for him in a Tar Heel uniform.

3✮ S Jamarrion Gordon- Jackson (Jackson, AL)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 63 S

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 82 S

ESPN: No. NA overall, No. 80 S

Composite: No. 778 overall, No. 67 S

Gordon, who measures in at 6’0, 185 lbs., is a defensive back that will be capable of developing at either corner, nickel or safety at the college level. The overall pass coverage ability across the board is outstanding, especially for someone that is put in a lot of 1-on-1 coverage situations out at the corner spot where he spent the majority of his junior season. He has very fluid hips which allow him to seamlessly stay with receivers downfield and he has some nice explosion that allows him to go up and knock the football down. His straight line speed is good, but his closing speed is what really stands out and allows him to constantly be in position to make plays on the football. Combine it with his willingness to come downhill and lay the wood on running backs or receivers at or near the line of scrimmage and it makes sense why they look at him as someone who can play safety at the next level. Regardless of where he ends up playing, this is someone whose talent and versatility makes him a headliner in this class and could have him in line for a role with the Tar Heel secondary within his first couple of seasons in Chapel Hill.

3✮ IOL Anthony Hall- Dexter School (Boston, MA)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 48 IOL

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 88 IOL

ESPN: No. NA overall, No. 63 OG

Composite: No. 793 overall, No. 76 IOL

Hall, the top-ranked player in the state of Massachusetts, is a true offensive guard who surprises you with his athletic ability at his size. He does an outstanding job as a pull blocker in the run game, opening up his hips easily and showing a nice burst to get out in front of his running backs. He is a strong run blocker altogether because of how strong his upper body is, which allows him to overpower defensive linemen and drive them straight back or into the ground for a pancake block. He also does a really good job of getting off of his initial block and climbing to the second level to get a hat on a linebacker or safety. His footwork is very solid, especially for an interior offensive lineman at the high school level, and shows up with how well he pass protects. The biggest question with him is the level of competition in the state of Massachusetts, something that could make for a steep learning curve. As with other linemen, it’s going to take time, but Hall has all the tools to be a major contributor for the team in the future.

3✮ CB Jaden Jefferson- De La Salle (Concord, CA)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 42 ATH

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 132 CB

ESPN: No. NA overall, No. 44 ATH

Composite: No. 835 overall, No. 76 CB

Jefferson might be small in stature at 5’9, 155 lbs., but there is plenty to like about his game. The most notable thing that you see in all three elements that he is involved in is his speed. His straight line speed is about as good as anyone's in the class and it is no surprise that he is a track star, as well, that has 10.40-100m and 21.12-200m times, which he ran as a sophomore. Offensively and as a returner, he combines that speed with great suddenness in the open field, which allows him to make defenders miss and stay on his feet. At his size, he will likely slide in offensively as a slot receiver, so it would be nice to get a better look at just how good his hands are and how crisp his route running is. Defensively, he shines with his physicality that shows up in a multitude of different ways. He is a very strong press man coverage corner who likes to get his hands on the receiver off the line of scrimmage and hand battle down the field. His ball skills are a strength, as well, as he does a great job of picking his moments to make plays on the football. He has very fluid hips that allow him to open up easily and stay with receivers and his speed will allow him to recover if he gets beat. He is an aggressive tackler who is more than willing to tackle and will lay the wood when he gets to the ball carrier. Because of his size, he would be reserved to a nickel corner spot, but there is plenty of potential there. His level of competition is as good as you can ask for in the state of California, meaning the learning curve should be pretty minimal for him compared to others. Figuring out where exactly to play him is going to be the biggest challenge for this staff, but there is so much to like about his game that he can be moved around if he doesn’t succeed at his first stop. Personally, I would start him at slot corner, but slot receiver is also a viable option if he proves himself a little more there this upcoming season.

3✮ S Julian Burns- Neville (Monroe, LA)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 58 S

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 159 S

ESPN: No. NA overall, No. 44 OLB

Composite: No. 842 overall, No. 82 S

Burns is a player who might be ranked but feels severely underrated because of what he has put on film. The most notable thing about his game is just how physical he is. He might very well be the hardest-hitting safety in this class as he constantly makes opposing players pay in the middle of the field. While he loves the big hit, he is also a strong tackler who makes sure to wrap up on plays where he isn’t in position to make the play. There should be no questions about his motor, as he makes plays all over the field. His closing speed is promising and the hope is that it can translate over to his coverage skills if he is going to stick at safety at the next level. His ability to play safety, linebacker and even nickelback makes him extremely valuable and will make it easier for him to see playing early. This is a prospect with a ton of upside and versatility that should be able to at least establish a special teams role pretty early on in Chapel Hill.

3✮ TE Carson Sneed- Donelson Christian Academy (Nashville, TN)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 73 TE

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 66 TE

ESPN: No. NA overall, No. 8 TE-Y

Composite: No. 857 overall, No. 56 TE

Sneed is a massive pickup for this Tar Heels tight end room because of just how complete of a player he is. At 6’6, 248 lbs., he brings amazing size to the table and he utilizes it well. He isn’t thrown as many 50/50 balls as you would think at his size but he does a great job of high pointing the football when those opportunities come his way. Prior to the catch, he does a tremendous job of freeing himself up with his shifty route running and that translates after the catch, which allows him to create big plays. He proved that he is a guy who can stretch the field this past year after questions about his ability to do that after his sophomore season. He isn’t a blazer, but he has nice speed that allows him to pull away from some defenders when he gets into the open field. His time spent as a tackle in his sophomore season was incredibly valuable and showed just how effective he can be as a blocker and the mean streak that he plays with. There is a lot to like about this talented young tight end that is still a little raw and could grow into an even better player this fall. He is a guy that could make an early impact in Chapel Hill if the opportunities are there.

3✮ DL David Jackson- Good Counsel (Olney, MD)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 80 DL

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 115 DL

ESPN: No. NA overall, No. 89 DT

Composite: No. 926 overall, No. 99 DL

Jackson brings really good size already at 6’2, 285 lbs. to the room and he is a guy that does an amazing job of getting off of blocks and making plays. His suddenness makes it difficult to stay in front of him as an offensive guard, as does his powerful hands. He is a really solid form tackler that will make you pay from time to time if given the opportunity. He has a high motor and plenty of versatility which allows him to make plays down the field and he does a good job of getting his hands up if he can’t get to the quarterback. He will have to add more physicality to his game to play on the interior of the defensive line, but he has the chance to be a difference-maker within his first couple of years as a pass rushing defensive tackle.

3✮ WR Kymistrii Young- Cardinal Mooney (Parrish, FL)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 128 WR

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 153 WR

ESPN: No. NA overall, No. 124 WR

Composite: No. 950 overall, No. 140 WR

Young adds another explosive playmaker to the Tar Heels 2026 class. At 6’2, 185 lbs., he has the size to play on the outside and that is where he has played almost exclusively this year. As expected with his yards per reception, he does a tremendous job of creating separation, especially on downfield routes. In some of the more technical situations, he runs his routes so hard and crisp that it allows him to get open on the shorter routes. Not only is he explosive before the catch, but his outstanding straight speed allows him to pull away from defenders after the catch. He has some shiftiness to him, as well, that allows him to make guys miss in the open field and turn short gains into explosive plays. This is going to be one of the underrated gems of the Tar Heels’ entire 2026 class.

3✮ OT Nick Fiumara- Belmont Hill School (Foxboro, MA)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 85 OT

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 77 OT

ESPN: No. NA overall, No. 75 OG

Composite: No. 1026 overall, No. 75 OT

Fiumara has great size at 6’5, 290 lbs. and provides some nice promise as a developmental prospect. He is very physical at the point of attack as witnessed by the amount of pancake blocks and toss asides that he has on film. His heavy hands are very impactful and are a big part of the reason why he is so impactful. His versatility will be very valuable at the next level, as he has strong tape on both sides of the offensive line at the offensive tackle position. His strength is as a run blocker in my opinion because there are times where he was pushed back a bit in pass coverage, but he still has some solid lateral movement that allows him to stay in front of most edge rushers. The biggest concern is the level of competition and it is a legitimate one that will make his learning curve a bit steeper than some of the team's other additions along the offensive line in this class.

3✮ WR Nyqir Helton- Winslow Township (Atco, NJ)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 155 WR

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 267 WR

ESPN: No. NA overall, No. 153 WR

Composite: No. 1142 overall, No. 173 WR

Helton is an explosive player that should bring an element to this receiving corps that they are currently lacking this season. His ability to win and create separation downfield consistently leads to big plays, something that will be very welcome for a team that can’t do that right now. His speed is what allows him to create that separation and is also what allows him to make plays after the catch, as well. He also seems to have pretty reliable hands, something else that will also be welcomed by this Tar Heel team. With how much we have seen the young wide receivers on the field so far this year, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Helton or any of the other true freshmen receivers on the field next year if they can prove themselves to this coaching staff in the offseason. With Helton’s speed, he might be able to bring an element that this team is lacking right now, so we may see him sooner rather than later.

3✮ TE Dream Rashad- Buford (Lawrenceville, GA)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 72 TE

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 105 TE

ESPN: No. NA overall, No. 41 TE-H

Composite: No. 1346 overall, No. 83 TE

Rashad is a nice developmental addition to this class. At 6’6, 235 lbs., he has size that you just cannot teach that will make him a threat in redzone and 50/50 ball situations. He didn’t receive a lot of 50/50 balls this season, which is a little disappointing, but I liked the way that he caught the football this season in his first year as a tight end. His route running isn’t the most technical, but he does a good job of finding grass on the field and just getting open. He really surprises as a blocker, considering he was a quarterback just a year earlier. He is very physical at the point of attack and it only feels like he is scratching the surface of what he can be as a blocker. This is a guy who has a ton of upside and while it may take him some time to contribute, he will immediately provide some much-needed depth at the tight end position.

3✮ LB Jayden Griffin-Haynes- Rolesville (Rolesville, NC)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 93 LB

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 235 LB

ESPN: No. NA overall, No. 51 OLB

Composite: No. 1361 overall, No. 124 LB

For Jayden, at 6’3, 210 lbs, he will have to add more weight to his frame if he is going to stick at linebacker, which is a spot that he showed some nice flashes in as a junior. He is a very physical downhill run defender, something you would not expect to see on the tape of a former wide receiver-turned-linebacker, but he makes ball carriers pay once he get to them. Like his brother, the motor is not in question and that high-energy play style is what allows him to find his way into the backfield to make plays, especially when he is being used as a blitzer. He is really solid in the A and B gaps, but doesn’t show on tape the ability to cover sideline-to-sideline. One other area that he will have to show the staff more of will be his coverage ability. He looks a little stiff in the pass coverage reps that he did put on tape, but it makes sense to expect that he can make plays in this area of the game being a former receiver. It could take some time, but Jayden is a guy who could factor into the rotation at linebacker after a couple of seasons in the system.

3✮ LB Jordan Avinger- Orangeburg-Wilkinson (Orangeburg, SC)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 156 LB

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 138 LB

ESPN: No. NA overall, No. 76 ATH

Composite: No. 1454 overall, No. 132 LB

Avinger is a nice depth addition for the Tar Heels in this recruiting class. He brings some solid athleticism to the table as someone that can play both sides of the ball, but isn’t someone who is going to blow you away with great speed or anything like that. The thing that he does bring to the table is a physical downhill presence that allows him to make ball carriers pay when he meets them in the hole. Like we have seen with a lot of Belichick recruits, he brings a motor with him that allows him to chase down ball carriers from behind and make plays down the field. He looks solid in coverage and does a good job of playing the football when he has a chance to. He’s not going to be the headliner of this class of linebacker, but he is someone that boosts the depth in this room and he has the right mindset to turn into something at the next level with the right coaching.

3✮ WR Zamaurious Robertson- Dillon (Dillon, SC)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 259 WR

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 228 WR

ESPN: No. NA overall, No. 177 WR

Composite: No. 1463 overall, No. 222 WR

Robertson is a guy who won’t blow you away by what he puts on film, but he is a really solid all-around player. He provides some nice versatility as a guy who has the frame to play on the outside but also brings enough twitch to play in the slot. His speed after the catch is promising and he has some shiftiness to his game that allows him to make defenders miss in the open field. He does a good job of winning on routes at all three levels, especially in the short to intermediate part of the game. He will have to diversify his route tree at the next level, but he does run his routes hard, which is why he is able to free himself up. He won’t come in with much hype, but this is a guy who could surprise some people once he gets to campus as a reliable option that just gets open.

3✮ K David Green- High Point Christian Academy (High Point, NC)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 10 K

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 2 K

ESPN: No. NA overall, No. 4 K

Composite: No. 2454 overall, No. 1 K

This is a nice addition for the Tar Heels in their kicker room. Green has an extremely powerful leg which could probably connect from 55 based on how easily he made his 51 yarder look back in his sophomore season. That power makes him a huge weapon as a kickoff specialist and could be the way for him to contribute early if the starting kicking job is not up for grabs. Accuracy will be important, but considering he has improved his field goal percentage in each of his years on campus, there is no reason to believe he won’t continue that once he gets to the college level.

3✮ P Adam McCann-Gibbs- Abbey CBS Grammar School (Newry, Ireland)

247Sports: No. NA overall, No. 14 K

On3/Rivals: No. NA overall, No. 7 P

ESPN: No. NA overall, No. 11 K

Composite: No. 2585 overall, No. 7 P

There is very little film on McCann-Gibbs punting, but what we do know is that he has a powerful leg that should show up when he gets to campus. Accuracy and placement will be important things for him to work on as well and is why it will probably take him some time to make an impact for the team.