4-star LB Calvin Thomas commits to North Carolina

Houston Cy Ranch four-star linebacker Calvin Thomas has committed to North Carolina, he announced on Saturday.

He chose the Tar Heels over Nebraska, SMU and Texas, among others.

Thomas is Rivals’ No. 9 linebacker this cycle. He checks in as the No. 353 overall prospect and No. 26 LB, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 45 player in Texas.

Following official visits last month, Nebraska was the program that seized the momentum in the Rivals Recruiting Prediction Machine. As Thomas’ scheduled decision drew closer, however, things began to shift toward Chapel Hill.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pounder is now in the boat for head coach Bill Belichick and the UNC staff, adding to a pledge list that’s already jam-packed with over 30 names. Thomas is one of the biggest wins for the new-look Tar Heels this cycle.

A dominant linebacker that can line up at multiple positions, Thomas bruised his way to 69 total tackles and seven sacks as a junior in 2024, per MaxPreps. He’ll enter this fall as one of the top defensive prospects in the Lone Star state.

UNC gets another big out-of-state commitment

Belichick and his staff continue to do damage on the trail and are building a notable class ahead of their first season in Chapel Hill this fall. Thomas gives UNC its sixth blue-chip commitment this cycle.

July has also seen Jackson (Ala.) four-star wide receiver Keeyun Chapman and Bluffton (S.C.) four-star WR Carnell Warren join the class. Mount Olive (N.C.) North Duplin four-star defensive lineman Trashawn Ruffin, Loganville (Ga.) Grayson four-star quarterback Travis Burgess and Rolesville (N.C.) four-star EDGE Zavion Griffin-Haynes also sit atop the class to date.

Ruffin flipped to UNC from Texas A&M in March and ranks as the No. 26 DL in the nation. Burgess chose the Tar Heels over Auburn last month and has since seen his stock rise ahead of his senior campaign. He’s now the nation’s No. 22 QB. Griffin-Haynes decommitted from UNC as the program transitioned from Mack Brown to Belichick, but he jumped back in the boat alongside his twin brother Jayden Griffin-Haynes on June 5. Jackson (Miss.) Wesson three-star WR O’Mari Johnson also committed earlier this month.

Cleveland native and IMG Academy (Fla.) three-star interior offensive lineman Will Conroy flipped from Oklahoma on June 18. Other commitments last month included: Pittsburgh Central Catholic three-star EDGE Ashton Blatt, Monroe (La.) Neville three-star safety Julian Burns and Westlake (Ohio) St. Edward three-star IOL Mason Wilhelm and others.

The class is already up to 32 commitments and ranks inside the top 20 of the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.