Heel Tough Blog: Tar Heels Land 2026 JUCO OT
- Anthony Pagnotta
- 5 minutes ago
- 2 min read
For the second time today, the Tar Heels have landed a commitment in the 2026 recruiting class, this time from the JUCO ranks.
As first announced by Hayes Fawcett of Rivals, 2026 JUCO OT Jonah Rodriguez has committed to UNC over Colorado. Rodriguez, who visited Boulder over the weekend, visit Chapel Hill officially back on the weekend of November 8th. He has two years of eligibility remaining and is expected to apply for a medical waiver to add a third.
Rodriguez, the No. 42 overall JUCO prospect and the No. 7 JUCO OT, just concluded his lone season at Southwestern College in San Diego, CA. Prior to that, he signed with San Diego State out of high school before transferring to Arizona for the 2023 season. In two seasons with the Wildcats, Rodriguez did not see the field.
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 another solid addition that gives the team option, who could play just about anywhere along that offensive line.
With his commitment, the Tar Heels are now up to 37 commitments in the 2026 class. The class remains No. 17 overall and No. 3 in the ACC according to the 247Sports Composite Team Rankings.