The North Carolina Tar Heels are facing a potential setback in their pursuit of one of the top high school prospects in the country. Dylan Mingo, a five-star guard from Glen Head, New York, has long had UNC high on his radar for the class of 2026. But now, it looks like another program may be gaining ground-and fast.
According to recruiting insiders, Penn State is emerging as the frontrunner to land Mingo. That development isn’t coming out of nowhere.
Mingo’s older brother, Kayden, is currently a freshman in Happy Valley and off to a strong start in his collegiate career. The connection is more than just familial-it’s foundational.
There’s a level of trust and familiarity between the Mingo family and the Penn State coaching staff that’s clearly resonating.
That said, North Carolina is still very much in the picture. Mingo recently took an official visit to Chapel Hill, and he’s included the Tar Heels among his final group of schools. So while Penn State may be trending upward, this recruitment is far from over.
Make no mistake: Mingo is a major target. At 6-foot-5, he’s ranked as the No. 2 combo guard and the No. 5 overall player in the 2026 class, per 247Sports’ composite rankings. He’s the kind of high-upside, high-IQ guard that can change the trajectory of a program-and he’s already drawing attention from some of the biggest names in college basketball.
For North Carolina, securing Mingo would be another statement in what’s already shaping up to be a strong season. The Tar Heels are off to a 10-1 start, with their only loss coming to Michigan State on Thanksgiving. They’re currently ranked 12th in the country and have already notched impressive wins over both Kansas and Kentucky-two blue-blood programs that rarely go down easy.
Head coach Hubert Davis, now in his fifth season at the helm, has guided UNC to a 111-46 record and three NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the National Championship Game in 2023. He’s kept the Tar Heels competitive on the court while continuing to recruit at a high level-a crucial balance for any program with UNC’s pedigree.
Of course, following in the footsteps of Roy Williams is no small task. Williams led the Tar Heels for 18 seasons and brought home three national titles. But Davis has carved out his own identity, and a commitment from a player like Mingo would only solidify that further.
Still, the idea of North Carolina potentially losing a top-tier basketball recruit to a school better known for its football program is notable. Penn State has been making strides on the hardwood, but it’s not often you see them go head-to-head with UNC for a five-star-and possibly win.
There’s still time for the Tar Heels to make their final pitch. They’ll be back in action Saturday against Ohio State, another opportunity to showcase what makes Chapel Hill such a special place for college hoops. But as it stands, the race for Dylan Mingo is heating up-and it’s looking like a two-team sprint to the finish.