Heel Tough Blog: Tar Heels Make Top 12 for Elite WR

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The Tar Heels have landed in some pretty big top schools list so far, but none bigger than the list that they landed on Saturday.

As On3 Sports graphic designer Hayes Fawcett revealed yesterday evening, the Tar Heels lare one of twelve schools remaining for 2026 4✮ WR Calvin Russell III. Others that are still in the running are Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Oregon, Syracuse and USC.

Russell, the No. 33 overall prospect and No. 4 wide receiver in the 2026 class according to 247Sports Composite Player Rankings, hails from Northwestern High School in Miami, FL. This past season, he caught 35 passes for 645 yards and eleven touchdowns while helping lead his team to the 3A state title.

When it comes to the Tar Heels chances to actually land him, it’s hard not to feel like they are slim to none. Having Belichick certainly is a talking point, but the team is given less than a 1% chance to actually land him. Miami is the strong favorite here with Florida and Florida State the biggest challengers.