UNC Football Program Continues Momentum with Latest 2026 Commitment
The University of North Carolina’s football program, under the leadership of head coach Bill Belichick, has secured another commitment for its 2026 recruiting class, further solidifying a class that is rapidly gaining national attention.
The latest addition is four-star athlete O’Mari Johnson from Wesson, Mississippi. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 170 pounds, Johnson committed to UNC following his official visit to Chapel Hill. His versatility on the field makes him a valuable asset for the Tar Heels. ([tarheeltimes.com][1])
Johnson’s commitment adds to a growing list of impressive recruits for the Tar Heels. Earlier, UNC flipped four-star defensive lineman Trashawn Ruffin from Texas A\&M. Ruffin, a standout from North Duplin High School in Mount Olive, North Carolina, is ranked 24th nationally at his position. His decision came after a visit to Chapel Hill, where he met Tar Heel legends Lawrence Taylor and Julius Peppers. ([reuters.com][2])
Another significant commitment came from Anthony Hall, a three-star offensive lineman from Dexter Southfield School in Massachusetts. At 6-foot-4 and 340 pounds, Hall is considered the top prospect in his state. He chose UNC over Tennessee and Rutgers, citing the university’s strong academics and coaching staff as key factors in his decision. ([si.com][3], [keepingitheel.com][4])
The Tar Heels have also strengthened their defensive backfield with commitments from California cornerbacks Marcellous Ryan and Justin Lewis. Ryan, from Junipero Serra High School, and Lewis, from Rancho Cucamonga High School, both bring speed and agility to the secondary. Their additions highlight UNC’s national recruiting reach under Belichick’s guidance. ([si.com][5], [nypost.com][6])
On the offensive side, UNC secured a commitment from running back Crew Davis, a two-sport standout from New York. Davis rushed for 1,350 yards and 16 touchdowns in his junior year, earning MaxPreps New York High School Football Player of the Year honors. ([tarheeltimes.com][7])
Wide receiver Darrion Kirksey from Harrison Central High School in Mississippi also joined the 2026 class. At 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, Kirksey brings size and playmaking ability to the Tar Heels’ receiving corps. His commitment followed a conversation with UNC football general manager Michael Lombardi. ([si.com][8])
With these additions, UNC’s 2026 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the strongest in recent memory. The class currently ranks 22nd nationally according to 247Sports. Belichick’s strategic approach, bolstered by a significant increase in the program’s name, image, and likeness (NIL) resources, has positioned UNC as a formidable contender in college football recruiting. ([onefootdown.com][9], [talksport.com][10])
As the Tar Heels continue to build their roster, the momentum generated by these commitments reflects a renewed energy and ambition within the program. With a blend of local talent and national prospects, UNC is laying the foundation for sustained success on the gridiron.
