Heel Tough Blog: Tar Heels Make Another Big Splash at LB in 2026 Class

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For the third time this week, the Tar Heels have added a commitment in the 2026 class and this one is the biggest one of the three.

As first reported by Hayes Fawcett of Rivals, the Tar Heels have picked up a commitment from 2026 4✮ LB Duyon Forkpa Jr. following a visit to Chapel Hill this past weekend. Forkpa commits to UNC over offers from Florida, Michigan, Missouri and others.

Forkpa, the No. 294 overall prospect and No. 19 linebacker in the 2026 class according to 247Sports Composite Player Rankings, is in the midst of his senior season at St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, MD. Unfortunately, his stats for this season are unavailable but a year ago, as a junior at Mill Creek High School in Hoschton, GA, he finished with 22 total tackles, four quarterback hurries and three passes defensed in just six games. The year prior as a sophomore, he finished with 34 total tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, seven quarterback hurries and two quarterback passes defensed.

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 use 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.

With his commitment, the Tar Heels are back to 39 total commitments, three of which come at the linebacker position. His commitment also returns the Tar Heels class to No. 15 overall and No. 3 in the ACC.