Heel Tough Blog: Tar Heels Flip 4✮ TE from Tennessee

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The Tar Heels have done a great job of flipping players in this class from SEC schools and the team just did it again.

As first reported by Hayes Fawcett of Rivals, 2026 4✮ TE Carson Sneed has flipped his commitment from Tennessee to UNC. He chose the Tar Heels over Ole Miss and Florida, the other two schools that hosted him for an official visit back in June. The Tar Heels hosted him for an official visit back on the weekend of April 25th along with his brother, who would commit to the team as a transfer shortly after the visit.

Sneed, the No. 404 overall prospect and No. 18 tight end in the 2026 class according to 247Sports Composite Player Rankings, hails from Donelson Christian Academy in Nashville, TN. In 13 games this past year, he caught 33 passes for 409 yards and six touchdowns on offense and collected 44 total tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks and an interception on defense. The prior year, as a sophomore, he finished with 15 catches for 297 yards and 10 touchdowns while splitting his time between tight end and left tackle due to a need at the latter spot.

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.

With his commitment, the Tar Heels have 35 commitments in the 2026 class, including four at the tight end position. The class still sits at No. 18 overall and No. 4 in the ACC according to the 247Sports Composite Player Rankings.