2026 safety Julian Burns commits to North Carolina

Monroe (La.) Neville three-star safety Julian Burns has committed to North Carolina, he announced on Friday.

He chose the Tar Heels over Tennessee, Miami, Arkansas and others.

Burns is the No. 763 overall prospect and No. 70 safety in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 20 player in Louisiana.

The 6-foot-2 defensive back took an official visit to Chapel Hill on the weekend of May 30. He joins a UNC class that also features a pair of Golden State cornerbacks in Jaden Jefferson and Marcellous Ryan. The Tar Heels have a top-30 class in the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

As a junior for Neville, Burns compiled 86 total tackles, a pair of interceptions, eight pass deflections and a sack. The Tigers finished as the No. 6 team in Louisiana last season, according to the On3 Composite Rankings.

Bill Belichick and Co. building recruiting momentum

The Tar Heels have now stacked six commitments this cycle. Highlighting the new pledges are twin brothers Zavion and Jayden Griffin-Haynes out of Rolesville (N.C.). Zavion has now committed to UNC twice and the four-star EDGE checks in as the No. 339 overall prospect.

“It is great to be committed to North Carolina and to be going to the same school as my brother,” Zavion told On3’s Chad Simmons. “It came down to development, relationships and academics for me. I am planning to come in, work hard and play early.”

June has also seen Westlake (Ohio) St. Edward three-star interior offensive lineman Mason Wilhelm, Norcross (Ga.) Wesleyan three-star IOL Eli Rickell and Foxboro (Mass.) Belmont Hill three-star offensive tackle Nick Fiumara commit to UNC. Five offensive linemen are in the class to date.

May brought a quarterback commitment from Loganville (Ga.) Grayson four-star Travis Burgess. The Elite 11 Finalist is now the No. 24 QB in the nation. Burgess chose UNC over Auburn and NC State, among others.

“Being able to help transform the team as a QB was important to me,” Burgess told On3’s Steve Wiltfong. “I feel UNC is building something very special for the seasons to come and just want to be part of it.

Mount Olive (N.C.) North Duplin four-star defensive lineman Trashawn Ruffin flipped to the Tar Heels from Texas A&M in March and he remains at the top of the pledge list for Belichick and his staff. Ruffin is the No. 257 recruit and No. 25 DL this cycle.