National Signing Day Tracker: Meet the UNC Signees

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — North Carolina signed its largest-ever National Signing Day haul, as 39 members of its 2026 recruiting class officially joined the UNC program on Wednesday. As each signee was confirmed, they were added here throughout the day, along with what you need to know about these new Tar Heels.

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7:02 a.m. – Trashawn Ruffin (Mount Olive (N.C.) North Duplin)
4-star (89.70), No. 333 recruit, No. 39 DL

Ruffin’s personality is as big as — and likely bigger than — his 6-foot-3, 340-pound frame. He’s become one of UNC’s most energetic recruiters, serving as the Tar Heels’ loudest voice on social media and showing up to every home game and numerous on-campus recruiting events. His addition gives the Tar Heels’ defensive line room a tackle with the work ethic and physical tools to develop into an NFL-caliber player.

7:21 a.m. – David Jackson (Olney (Md.) Good Counsel)
3-star (86.77), No. 909 recruit, No. 100 DL

Coming out of the February Dead Period, Jackson spent a weekend in Chapel Hill, where he attended a spring practice and the basketball game against Duke. Before heading home, the 6-foot-2, 285-pounder committed — a move he later admitted he didn’t see coming. This fall, he led national powerhouse Good Counsel in sacks (seven in 11 games) and tackles for loss (13).

7:30 a.m. – David Green (High Point (N.C.) Christian Academy)
3-star (82.13), No. 2,447 recruit, No. 1 K

With the graduation of Rece Verhoff, UNC’s field-goal and kickoff duties are wide open — and Green should compete for both right away. The 5-foot-11, 170-pounder is regarded as a top-five kicker nationally by both Kohl’s Kicking and Chris Sailer Kicking, with the former listing him at No. 2 in the country. As a senior on an undefeated state-championship team, Green sent 84 of his 92 kickoffs into the end zone for touchbacks.

7:40 a.m. – Zavion Griffin-Haynes (Rolesville (N.C.))
3-star (88.67), No. 471 recruit, No. 47 Edge

Rolesville High became Bill Belichick’s first recruiting stop as a college coach — signifying the priority placed on Griffin-Haynes. The 6-foot-5, 220-pounder had committed to the previous staff but immediately backed off that pledge when Mack Brown was fired. Griffin-Haynes has NFL-caliber physical tools, and although he flashed potential as a senior, they didn’t always translate into consistent high school dominance — exactly the sort of prospect Belichick would want to develop.

7:49 a.m. – Nyqir Helton (Atco (N.J.) Winslow Township)
3-star (85.80), No. 1,219 recruit, No. 186 WR

This fall, Helton set his high school’s single-season record for touchdown receptions, helping lead Winslow Township to a state championship. Recognizing his breakout senior year, UNC — which had offered the 6-foot, 175-pounder after a standout performance at a June camp — reengaged and drew him to Chapel Hill for a late-October official visit despite his commitment to Boston College. Five days later, he flipped to the Tar Heels.

8:07 a.m. – Xavier Jackson (Oradell (N.J.) Bergen Catholic)
3-star (87.40), No. 720 recruit, No. 69 CB

During the four June weekends leading up to the Summer Dead Period, Jackson took official visits to Minnesota, Pittsburgh, UNC, and Temple, in that order. He originally had a trip scheduled to Michigan State, but bumped it to make room for UNC after receiving an offer in early June. He committed to the Tar Heels at a ceremony later that month.

8:18 a.m. – Jaziel Hart (Roanoke (Va.) North Cross)
3-star (87.43), No. 679 recruit, No. 53 CB

After camping at UNC during the summers before his sophomore and junior seasons — earning an offer during the latter — the Tar Heels seemed like a serious contender for Hart. But the new staff initially passed on recruiting the 6-foot, 170-pounder, and he eventually committed to Penn State. When James Franklin was fired, however, UNC didn’t just reenter the picture — it immediately landed his commitment, without the benefit of a campus visit.

8:28 a.m. – Jimmy Alo-Suliafu (Fulshear (Texas) Jordan)
3-star (88.70), No. 453 recruit, No. 49 DL

While on his official visit to Chapel Hill in mid-April, Alo-Suliafu committed to the Tar Heels. It was somewhat of an upset recruiting win as the 6-foot-4, 250-pound lineman had entered the trip viewing Arizona State, Michigan, and Texas A&M as his top three schools. He concluded his senior season with 13 tackles for loss, four sacks, and a blocked field goal across 10 games.

8:39 a.m. – Anthony Hall (Brookline (Mass.) Dexter Southfield)
3-star (87.10), No. 764 recruit, No. 74 IOL

Aptly nicknamed “U-Hall,” the 6-foot-4, 340-pound Hall is built like a moving truck — and blocks like one. He became one of UNC’s earliest commitments, pulling the trigger in February over Rutgers and Tennessee. That decision was set up by a January junior day visit, followed a week later by Bill Belichick’s contact stop at his high school.

8:50 a.m. – Viliami Moala (Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson)
3-star (88.45), No. 484 recruit, No. 53 DL

Surreptitiously, Moala took an official visit to UNC in mid-June, setting the foundation for his August flip from Oregon. It marked his second flip — he originally committed to Southern Cal before switching to Oregon during the 2024 football season. After spending his first three high school years in Utah, the 6-foot-2, 340-pounder moved to Alabama this fall to play at Thompson High, one of the state’s premier programs.

9:00 a.m. – Julian Peterson (Atco (N.J.) Winslow Township)
3-star (87.77), No. 612 recruit, No. 58 CB

Amid Winslow Township’s playoff run — which culminated in a state title — Peterson suddenly had to navigate a recruitment within a compressed window. The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder had been solidly committed to Penn State since January, but opened his recruitment after James Franklin’s ouster. Following November official visits to Clemson, UNC, and Wisconsin, and some deliberation, he ultimately committed to the Tar Heels.

9:08 a.m. – Crew Davis (New Rochelle (N.Y.) Iona Prep)
3-star (87.70), No. 625 recruit, No. 37 RB

Davis’ recruitment was essentially over before it truly began: he committed while visiting in early January. That visit was arranged only a couple of days earlier, after he received an offer from UNC. This fall, the 6-foot, 205-pounder helped lead his high school to a state title while rushing for 1,257 yards and 15 touchdowns with an 8.2-yard-per-carry average.

9:22 a.m. – Jamarrion Gordon (Jackson (Ala.))
3-star (87.10), No. 768 recruit, No. 67 S

In mid-March, Gordon named Florida, Florida State, Ole Miss, and UNC as his final four. He took June official visits to all but FSU. The Tar Heels hosted the 6-foot, 185-pounder for a second visit later that month, and he committed a few days afterward.

9:29 a.m. – Calvin Thomas (Cypress (Texas) Cy Ranch)
4-star (89.96), No. 316 recruit, No. 18 LB

Drawing on his West Texas connections, UNC outside linebackers coach Ty Nichols led the charge in landing Thomas. Heading into Thomas’ official visit slate — which included Michigan, Nebraska, UNC, SMU, and Texas — the Tar Heels weren’t considered a serious contender. But in the days leading up to his mid-July announcement, UNC surged and seized the momentum.

9:52 a.m. – Keeyun Chapman (Jackson (Ala.))
4-star (92.15), No. 154 recruit, No. 22 WR

UNC outlasted Florida State in scoring Chapman’s commitment. The 6-foot-4, 210-pounder spent the first two weekends of June officially visiting the two ACC schools. He returned to both later in the month. Though he was recruited as a wide receiver, he could grow into a match-up nightmare at tight end.

9:59 a.m. – Julian Burns (Monroe (La.) Neville)
3-star (87.07), No. 825 recruit, No. 80 S

Lining up at all three levels, Burns has been a versatile defensive weapon for his high school team, which plays in the state semifinals this weekend. In 12 games, the 6-foot-3, 200-pounder has totaled 102 tackles, 29.5 TFLs, 11.5 sacks, two interceptions, and a dozen pass deflections. After initially setting a full slate of June official visits, he ultimately canceled all other trips after checking out Chapel Hill.

10:18 a.m. – Jaden Jefferson (Concord (Calif.) De La Salle)
3-star (87.07), No. 818 recruit, No. 75 CB

Jefferson — who owns the fastest 100-meter dash time in California high school history at 10.01 seconds — is UNC’s longest-tenured commitment, pledging to the Tar Heels sight unseen on Jan. 21. Though recruited as a cornerback, the 5-foot-9, 165-pounder made most of his impact this fall for national powerhouse De La Salle at running back and as a returner. On just 93 carries, he rushed for 1,048 yards and 12 touchdowns — an average of 11.3 yards per carry — and also returned a kickoff for a score.

10:59 a.m. – Ashton Blatt (Pittsburgh (Pa.) Central Catholic)
3-star (87.73), No. 640 recruit, No. 66 DL

UNC didn’t enter this race until June, yet still secured a mid-week official visit later that month. During that trip, Blatt committed to the Tar Heels. The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder had previously taken official visits to Penn State, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia, and had another scheduled with Duke — a visit that was canceled after his commitment.

11:11 a.m. – Jonah Rodriguez (Southwestern College)

Rebuilding the offensive line is one of UNC’s top offseason priorities, and Rodriguez should compete immediately for a role on the interior. Although he started at left tackle for Southwestern College this past season, the 6-foot-4, 290-pounder projects better inside at the Power-4 level. Accordingly, he practiced at guard while at Arizona during the 2024 season. He has at least two years of eligibility remaining and plans to apply for a medical waiver that could grant him a third.

11:29 a.m. – Nick Fiumara (Belmont Hill (Mass.))
3-star (86.47), No. 982 recruit, No. 71 OT

While participating in a local showcase camp in May, Fiumara caught the eye of Andrew Blaylock, UNC’s assistant director of player personnel. Blaylock didn’t offer on the spot, but he did invite Fiumara to take an official visit to Chapel Hill. During that visit, the 6-foot-5, 295-pounder received the offer—and committed within 10 seconds.

11:41 a.m. – Zamaurious Robertson (Dillon (S.C.))
3-star (85.47), No. 1,382 recruit, No. 212 WR

At one of UNC’s June camps, Robertson impressed the staff enough to earn a scholarship offer. The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder quickly followed by scheduling an official visit for later that month. A few days after returning home from the OV, he announced his commitment to the Tar Heels during a ceremony at his high school.

11:53 a.m. – Dream Rashad – Buford (Ga.)
3-star (85.77), No. 1,338 recruit, No. 84 TE

In October, Rashad picked up scholarship offers from rivals UNC and NC State, prompting him to schedule an official visit to both for the final two weekends of the season – despite his commitment to Purdue. The 6-foot-7, 235-pounder made it to UNC, for its home finale, but skipped the NCSU OV.

12:00 p.m. – Jayden Griffin-Haynes (Rolesville (N.C.))
3-star (85.73), No. 1,309 recruit, No. 115 LB

With the guidance of former Tar Heel linebacker Kevin Reddick as his coach, Griffin-Haynes began transitioning to linebacker during his junior season and took a major step forward this fall. The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder had long paired a strong frame with good athleticism but struggled to find the right positional fit until Reddick took him under his wing. In June, he and his brother chose UNC over Florida State and NC State.

12:09 p.m. – Jakob Weatherspoon (Avon (Ohio))
4-star (92.94), No. 134 recruit, No. 12 S

Despite committing to home-state, reigning champions Ohio State, in early January, Weatherspoon quietly took official visits elsewhere in June, including a stop at UNC. That set the stage for an unexpected commitment flip in July. This fall, he helped Avon capture a state championship.

12:19 p.m. – Vodney Cleveland (Birmingham (Ala.) Parker)
4-star (90.68), No. 252 recruit, No. 29 DL

UNC’s persistence paid off in flipping Cleveland from Texas on the first day of the Early Signing Period. The 6-foot-2, 335-pounder had committed to the Longhorns in June, following official visits to Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Miami, UNC, and Texas. But the Tar Heels staff never relented, drawing him to campus for a pair of games, including the home finale.

12:29 p.m. – David Davis (Pittsburgh (Pa.) Imani Christian)
3-star (88.70), No. 455 recruit, No. 46 CB

Davis thought he had avoided most of the heavy recruiting stress by committing to home state Penn State in March, well before “Official Visit Season.” But when James Franklin was fired, he was suddenly forced to compress his recruitment into a tight window. The 6-foot, 190-pounder took official visits to UNC and West Virginia on back-to-back weekends before making his final decision.

12:40 p.m. – Carson Sneed (Nashville (Tenn.) Donelson Christian)
3-star (87.70), No. 618 recruit, No. 42 TE

Bill Belichick wants tight ends to play a larger role in his offense, and Sneed fits that vision perfectly. He’s a rare prospect who can line up as an attached blocker, operate as an H-back, or flex out as a receiving mismatch. The 6-foot-6, 240-pounder flipped his commitment to UNC from Tennessee, where he’d been committed for more than a year. He’ll join his brother, Dayton — a junior wide receiver who transferred to UNC from Tennessee this spring.

12:50 p.m. – Da’Ron Parks (Nitro (W.Va.)
3-star (88.84), No. 443 recruit, No. 41 IOL

Late in the season, UNC quietly hosted Parks on an official visit. In July, the 6-foot-5, 300-pounder had committed to Florida State over Auburn and Ohio State. A week and a half before the Early Signing Period, he backed off his FSU pledge and then signed with the Tar Heels.

1:09 p.m. – Travis Burgess (Loganville (Ga.) Grayson)
4-star (91.39), No. 195 recruit, No. 14 QB

Burgess became the face of this class just before “Official Visit Season” began in June, committing to UNC over Auburn and NC State. From that point forward, he played a major role in the Tar Heels’ recruiting efforts. A knee injury prematurely ended a promising senior season — in which he was quarterbacking a national powerhouse — and will limit the 6-foot-5, 210-pounder’s availability this spring.

1:20 p.m. – J.B. Shabazz (Winston-Salem (N.C.) Oak Grove)
3-star (88.99), No. 429 recruit, No. 33 OT

Early in his recruitment, UNC held the lead for Shabazz. But the Tar Heels faded during last year’s coaching transition, and he committed to Tennessee in July. Needing a true offensive tackle prospect, UNC’s staff stayed persistent and ultimately flipped the 6-foot-7, 295-pounder in September.

1:31 p.m. – Kenton Dopson (Miami (Fla.) Norland)
4-star (92.62), No. 147 recruit, No. 20 CB

As a 2027 prospect, Dopson originally committed to hometown Miami on his late mother’s birthday. But an August offer from UNC set off a domino effect: the 6-foot-1, 190-pounder reclassified into the 2026 class, took an official visit to Chapel Hill, and ultimately flipped to the Tar Heels. When he arrives in January, UNC will be adding a South Florida playmaking defensive back.

1:39 p.m. – CJ Sadler (Detroit (Mich.) Cass Tech)
4-star (92.17), No. 152 recruit, No. 5 Athlete

Though projected primarily as a slot receiver, Sadler’s playmaking ability could also impact UNC’s return game and even its defense at cornerback. His senior season — which again ended in a state championship appearance — was filled with multi-touchdown performances and highlights across all three phases. There’s a strong chance that playmaking carries over early in the 5-foot-9, 185-pounder’s UNC career.

1:51 p.m. – Jordan Avinger (Orangeburg-Wilkinson (S.C.))
3-star (85.47), No. 1,401 recruit, No. 123 LB

Avinger originally committed to Arkansas in August after taking June official visits to Fayetteville, East Carolina, and South Florida. But the 6-foot-2, 225-pounder reopened his recruitment once Sam Pittman was fired. After officially visiting UNC and West Virginia in November, he pledged to the Tar Heels.

2:10 p.m. – Will Conroy (Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy)
3-star (88.03), No. 567 recruit, No. 52 IOL

As soon as Bill Belichick met with him at IMG Academy in late January, Conroy became intrigued by UNC. A month earlier, the 6-foot-3, 285-pounder had committed to Oklahoma, but that didn’t stop him from attending a Tar Heel spring practice and then taking an official visit in June. During the latter visit, he flipped his commitment, giving UNC a true center prospect who has spent the past year in what is essentially a college-level development program.

3:09 p.m. – Carnell Warren (Bluffton (S.C.))
4-star (89.71), No. 328 recruit, No. 56 WR

In June, Warren ended a five-month commitment to Virginia Tech. One of his first moves afterward was scheduling an official visit to UNC for the final weekend before the Summer Dead Period. He committed a couple of weeks later. Over 11 games in his senior season, the 6-foot-4, 195-pounder caught 62 passes for 977 yards and 11 touchdowns.

3:22 p.m. – Zion Smith (Hyattsville (Md.) DeMatha Catholic)
3-star (87.40), No. 703 recruit, No. 69 IOL

A little over a week after visiting campus and receiving a scholarship offer, Smith committed to UNC. In the weeks leading up to that visit, UNC assistant Bob Diaco made two contact stops at DeMatha Catholic, a national powerhouse — including one alongside Bill Belichick.

3:30 p.m. – Adam Gibbs (Newry (Ireland) Abbey CBS Grammar School)
3-star (81.50), No. 2,576 recruit, No. 6 P

UNC flipped Gibbs from Penn State on Black Friday, just days after he made a last-minute official visit to Chapel Hill. The 6-foot, 190-pounder was largely unknown until he impressed the Nittany Lions’ staff at a summer camp. Remarkably, he only began kicking an American football in April, coming from a background in soccer and Gaelic football.

3:38 p.m. – Kymistrii Young (Sarasota (Fla.) Cardinal Mooney)
3-star (86.77), No. 938 recruit, No. 103 WR

As soon as UNC extended an offer in mid-October, Young aimed to schedule an official visit, despite being committed to Purdue for six months. The 6-foot-2, 185-pounder made it to Chapel Hill for the home finale. On Thanksgiving Eve, he flipped his commitment to the Tar Heels.

3:43 p.m. – D.Q. Forkpa (Baltimore (Md.) St. Frances)
4-star (90.13), No. 299 recruit, No. 16 LB

Forkpa had one of the more twist-filled recruitments in the cycle. After spring and summer official visits to Florida, Florida State, and Michigan — as well as Colorado, Miami, and UNC — he trimmed his focus to the Gators, Seminoles, and Wolverines. But just a few days before his scheduled announcement, he abruptly hit the reset button. His recruitment then drifted through the season without clear direction until he showed up at a UNC football game. Less than a week later, the 6-foot-2, 235-pounder committed to the Tar Heels