Maximo Adams Gives Tar Heels Fans Plenty to Be Excited About in 2026
While the spotlight may currently be on Dylan Mingo and his looming decision, North Carolina fans already have a major reason to be fired up about the future. That reason?
Maximo Adams. The 5-star small forward signed with the Tar Heels this past fall, and if his recent performance at the Hoophall Classic is any indication, Hubert Davis has something special on the way.
Adams, a 6-foot-7, 205-pound wing, didn’t just flash his elite skill set at the nationally watched event-he reminded everyone why he’s one of the most coveted players in the 2026 class. Ranked as the No. 10 small forward and No. 24 overall prospect in the 247Sports Composite, Adams is bringing more than just talent to Chapel Hill-he’s bringing passion.
“UNC's been my dream school for as long as I can remember,” Adams said in a recent interview with Jamie Shaw. That kind of connection to the program matters.
It’s not just about the fit on the court-though Adams checks plenty of boxes there-but about the mindset and motivation he’s bringing with him. When a player grows up dreaming of putting on that Carolina blue, it adds fuel to the fire.
And for a team that may be reloading next season, that fire is going to be needed.
Adams had no shortage of options during his recruitment. More than 30 offers came in, including from blue bloods like Kentucky, Michigan State, and Kansas.
But in the end, it was UNC that won out. That’s a win not just for Davis and his staff, but for a fanbase that’s hungry to see the next wave of stars take the floor at the Dean Dome.
With Caleb Wilson likely headed to the NBA Draft, there’s going to be a void to fill in the Tar Heels’ lineup. Adams looks like a player who can step in early and contribute. His size, athleticism, and versatility on the wing make him a matchup problem, and his ability to score at all three levels gives Davis a dynamic weapon to plug into the offense.
Of course, the big question now is whether Adams will be joined by another top-tier talent in Dylan Mingo. The 5-star prospect is reportedly down to four schools: UNC, Baylor, Penn State, and Washington.
While Baylor was once seen as the favorite, momentum seems to be shifting. There’s growing chatter that North Carolina could be making a strong late push.
If Mingo ends up choosing the Tar Heels, pairing him with Adams would give UNC one of the most exciting freshman duos in the country. But even if Mingo goes elsewhere, the Tar Heels are already in a good spot. Adams is the kind of recruit who can be a foundational piece-a player you build around, not just plug in.
For now, the focus is on what’s already locked in. Maximo Adams is coming to Chapel Hill, and he’s not coming quietly.
He’s coming with big dreams, a loaded skill set, and the kind of drive that fits right in with the Tar Heel tradition. Whether or not Mingo joins him, UNC fans can rest easy knowing the future is in good hands.