UNC named a \
UNC named a "team to watch" for a top class of 2026 football recruit UNC is considered a frontrunner for this highly-touted, Class of 2026 football prospect amongst more established programs.
The North Carolina Tar Heels are off to a strong start in their 2026 football recruiting class, already securing 15 commitment.
UNC's next class is anchored by 4-star defensive lineman commit Trashawn Ruffin, who plays his high school ball at North Duplin in Mount Olive, NC. North Carolina finally landed its coveted quarterback on Wednesday, May 21, securing a commitment from highly-touted Grayson High School (Loganville, Ga.) prospect Travis Burgess.
With Bill Belichick now leading the charge in Chapel Hill, more high-profile recruits are giving the Tar Heels serious consideration.
The latest high-profile recruit who could be heading to UNC is interior offensive lineman Darius Gray, with national recruiting analyst Tom Loy naming North Carolina the "Team to Watch."
Gray is a 5-star recruit, who plays his high school football at St. Christopher's School, in Richmond, Va. Gray is ranked 28th overall in the 2026 recruiting class, second nationally amongst interior offensive linemen and second in the state of Virginia.
"A source reached out to me today (Tuesday, May 20) and said that North Carolina is the team to watch when it comes to Darius Gray," Loy said. "I was leaning towards putting in a prediction for LSU. I've heard a lot of buzz about the Tigers, but keep an eye on North Carolina. Look for him to set an official visit soon. Things are trending in a positive way for Darius Gray and North Carolina."
See the list of schools that 247Sports' Grant Hughes mentions in his above tweet? Clemson, Tennessee, Auburn, Ohio State, LSU and Penn State are all past national champions, while South Carolina is amongst the SEC favorites entering 2025.
As Hughes also mentions in his tweet, it's amazing how much of an effect Belichick has on recruits. Who wouldn't want to come and play for an 8-time Super Bowl champion?
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
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