N.J. WR Nyquir Helton Commits to UNC

North Carolina has added another wide receiver to its 2026 commitment list, as mid-three-star wide receiver Nyquir Helton announced his pledge to the Tar Heels on Thursday.

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Helton, a 6-foot, 175-pounder from Winslow Township (N.J.) High, committed to UNC after checking out the school this past weekend through an official visit. Before making his decision, he decommitted from Boston College on Wednesday.

Helton originally committed to Boston College in late June, choosing the Eagles over fellow finalists Illinois, Pittsburgh, and Syracuse. Earlier that month, he took official visits to BC, Pitt, and Syracuse.

Also in early June, UNC extended an offer to Helton.

So far this season, Helton has led Winslow Township with 36 receptions for 766 yards and 10 touchdowns through nine games.

Helton becomes the sixth wide receiver in UNC’s class, joining four-stars Keeyun Chapman, CJ Sadler, and Carnell Warren, along with mid–three-stars Kei’Maurii Miles and Zamaurious Robertson. UNC now has 39 overall commitments in its 2026 recruiting class.

“We want this ’26 class to have to ultimately be two classes, so we can add some of the fill-in, some of the gaps that we had in the roster in terms of prior years,” general manager Mike Lombardi said earlier this season, noting the plan to sign at least 40 players. “Then you use the portal like you use free agency to fill holes that you have to fill.”

“We are going to be a high school-based recruiting program … we’re going to use the high school recruiting to be the cornerstone of the program.”