Bill Belichick's inaugural season in Chapel Hill might not have unfolded as planned, but there's a promising blueprint in place for the future. Belichick, alongside Mike Lombardi, secured the 19th-ranked high school class for 2026, bringing in 40 new faces, and they're already making waves for 2027 with three commitments lined up.
The latest buzz centers around four-star tight end Mason Oglesby, who recently announced his top six college choices. Among them are the Tar Heels, competing with Purdue, Kansas, Missouri, USC, and the reigning national champs, Indiana Hoosiers. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 220 pounds, Oglesby hails from Indiana and is a standout prospect.
Oglesby, ranked 338th in the 2027 class by 247Sports Composite and seventh in Indiana, is a key target as he enters his junior year. While some predictions favor the Hoosiers, UNC remains a strong contender in the race for his talents.
Known for his versatility, Oglesby can excel as both an oversized slot receiver and an in-line tight end. His breakaway speed is evident on film, and he could become a significant asset for incoming offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino. This aligns with the modern trend in college football, where multiple tight end sets have become a strategic advantage, seen in teams like Ohio State, Oregon, and Miami.
Belichick, drawing from his NFL experience, understands the power of heavier personnel and multiple tight end formations. This approach forces defenses into a dilemma: bulk up with linebackers to stop the run, risking exposure to the pass, or stay nimble and risk being overpowered on the ground.
If Belichick and Lombardi can secure Oglesby's commitment, he could become a pivotal piece in their offensive strategy. The Tar Heels have already added two tight ends in the 2026 class-Dream Rashad and Carson Sneed-along with transfers Jelani Thurman, Jordan Washington, and Jaxxon Warren.
Under Freddie Kitchens in 2025, North Carolina's tight ends had a modest impact, with just 29 receptions. However, Petrino's previous success at Arkansas, where tight ends racked up 844 yards and seven touchdowns on 44 catches, suggests a bright future for the Tar Heels' offense.