Heel Tough Blog: Tar Heels Land Commitment From 2026 3✮ TE

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The Tar Heels are off to a fast start on the 2026 recruiting trail and that continued Wednesday when they landed one of their top tight end targets.

As he announced via his social media accounts earlier this morning, 2026 3✮ TE Cooper McCutchan has committed to UNC over offers from Purdue, Duke, Texas A&M and others.

McCutchan, the No. 865 overall prospect and No. 43 tight end in the 2026 class according to 247Sports Composite player rankings, hails from Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati, OH. This past season, as a junior, he caught 35 passes for 569 yards and seven touchdowns on his way to earning first team all-league and second team All-Cincinnati honors.

McCutchan is the definition of a receiving tight end. He has the ability to stretch the field vertically, which leads to big plays and is able to make plays in the flats, as well. He has the athleticism to play in the slot and even on the outside at times and he does have the ability to make plays after the catch. He has reliable hands that allow him to make just about any catch and his speed allows him to pull away from defenders in the open field. He has work to do as a blocker, but his receiving prowess could make him a valuable weapon for this offense in the years to come.

With this commitment, the Tar Heels recruiting class has their first tight end commitment and their 14th overall commitment in the 2026 class. The class jumps back up to No. 11 overall in the 247Sports Composite Team Rankings and No. 3 in the ACC.