UNC is set for its football future, by the talent influx won’t stop.
The North Carolina Tar Heels are rarely discussed at a Top 25 team in college football. When UNC gets that rare distinction, a loss typically follows.
We’re not talking about in-season rankings here, though. Instead, the Top 25 ranking in question is North Carolina’s 2026 recruiting class.
The Tar Heels’ 2026 recruiting class continues to improve daily, whether recruits gain additional stars or Bill Belichick lands another prospect. Quarterback Travis Burgess is the crown jewel of UNC’s next class – and he’ll have a trio of 4-star receivers to throw to in Carnell Warren, Keeyun Chapman and O’Mari Johnson. North Carolina’s defense will be scary, too: Zavion Griffin-Haynes recommitted shortly after Belichick’s hiring, while 4-star defensive tackle Trashawn Ruffin will also be in the trenches.
In ESPN’s 2026 recruiting class rankings, the Tar Heels land 16th across all of college football, down just two spots from their previous ranking. UNC has five Top 300 recruits: Chapman (68th), safety Jakob Weatherspoon (180), Warren (252), Burgess (255) and Ruffin (284).
“Zavion Griffin-Haynes was a key in-state keep. The aggressive, lengthy edge defender can bolster the Heels’ defensive front with the tools to be a three-down player. Four-star North Carolina defensive tackle Trashawn Ruffin flipped from Texas A&M, and the 300-pounder has plenty of raw physicality to mold. In an effort to boost their passing attack, the Heels have added several potential big-play pieces. Quarterback commit Travis Burgess had a strong showing at the Elite 11 finals and jumped into the ESPN 300 after spring evaluations. He displayed steady development including improved accuracy and also has excellent mobility to create with his legs as well.”
The Tar Heels may not deliver…
Source link : https://tarheelswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/tarheels/football/2025/07/20/unc-football-2026-recruiting-class-espn-rankings/85288524007/
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Publish date : 2025-07-20 14:01:00
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