The North Carolina Tar Heels are wasting no time reshaping their future under Bill Belichick, and the recruiting trail is already heating up in Chapel Hill. With a top-20 class locked in for 2026, the Tar Heels are now turning their attention to 2027-and they’re doing it with purpose.
They’ve already landed three commitments for that class, including four-star athlete Marquis Bryant, a versatile prospect who could be a difference-maker on either side of the ball. But Belichick and his staff aren’t slowing down. In fact, they’re pushing harder, targeting elite talent across the country.
One name to circle: Elijah Kimble. The four-star running back out of Buffalo, New York, is set to take an official visit to UNC on June 12. That trip will be his first to Chapel Hill, and it's shaping up to be a critical moment for both player and program.
Kimble is the No. 14 running back in the 2027 class and the No. 197 overall prospect, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. He’s also the top-ranked player in the state of New York-and his junior season showed why.
At Canisius, Kimble put up 1,726 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns on a blistering 9.0 yards per carry. He even added a receiving touchdown for good measure.
That kind of production doesn’t just catch attention-it commands it.
And he’s got plenty of suitors. Kimble has 38 offers on the table and is scheduled to visit Indiana (May 15), Washington (May 29), and Miami (June 5) before heading to UNC.
That’s a strong lineup of programs, with Indiana and Miami fresh off a clash in the National Championship Game. North Carolina’s going to have to bring its A-game if it wants to make a lasting impression.
The timing couldn’t be more important. UNC’s rushing attack was inconsistent in 2025, with freshman Demon June leading the way with just 464 yards and two touchdowns.
The offense as a whole struggled, and the Tar Heels limped to a 4-8 finish in Belichick’s first season. While growing pains were expected, the lack of explosiveness on offense stood out-and not in a good way.
That’s why a player like Kimble matters. He’s not just a talented back-he’s a potential tone-setter, the kind of player who can flip a game with one cut or one burst through the line. For a program looking to re-establish its identity under a legendary coach, adding a dynamic playmaker like Kimble could be a major step forward.
There’s still a long way to go in his recruitment, and plenty of competition to fend off. But for now, the Tar Heels are in the mix-and that June visit will be one to watch.