There’s no doubt that all eyes in Chapel Hill are currently on 5-star freshman Caleb Wilson, who’s already turning heads with his early flashes of brilliance. But while Wilson’s debut is commanding the spotlight, UNC head coach Hubert Davis is deep in the trenches of another high-stakes recruiting battle-this time for a rising star in the 2026 class: Dylan Mingo.
Mingo, a highly touted prospect with serious two-way potential, has North Carolina firmly on his radar. He recently took an official visit to Chapel Hill, and by all accounts, the trip only strengthened the Tar Heels' position in his recruitment. Davis and his staff rolled out the red carpet, and the program’s history, culture, and player development pitch certainly made an impression.
But here’s where things get complicated.
Standing in UNC’s way is Penn State-a program that, on paper, wouldn’t normally be considered a direct recruiting rival for a blueblood like North Carolina. But this isn’t just any recruitment.
Mingo’s older brother currently plays for the Nittany Lions, and that family connection is proving to be a major factor. According to recruiting insiders, it’s giving Penn State a clear edge as things heat up.
That’s a tough break for Davis, who’s trying to build momentum after a few recent recruiting swings didn’t go his way. Most notably, 5-star guard Deron Rippey Jr. recently trimmed his list of finalists, and UNC didn’t make the cut.
That stung. Landing Mingo would go a long way toward easing that blow and reestablishing some recruiting momentum heading into the new year.
Mingo’s final decision is expected soon, and while other schools like Baylor and Washington are still technically in the mix, this is shaping up to be a two-horse race between North Carolina and Penn State. And it’s not just about basketball-it’s about family, legacy, and fit.
For Mingo, the choice is a meaningful one. Does he follow his brother’s path and suit up in the Big Ten, where he’d have a built-in support system and a mentor already in place? Or does he forge his own legacy at UNC, one of the most storied programs in college basketball history, with a chance to play under the bright lights of the Dean Dome and compete for championships on a national stage?
There’s no wrong answer here, but there’s also no easy one.
From UNC’s perspective, adding Mingo would be a major recruiting win. He’s the kind of player who could slide into the Tar Heels' system and make an immediate impact-much like Wilson is doing right now.
He brings length, athleticism, and a versatile skill set that fits the modern game. And in a class where every elite prospect counts, he could be the cornerstone of Davis’ 2026 haul.
But make no mistake: this is an uphill battle. The family tie to Penn State is real, and it’s powerful. Still, Davis has pulled off surprises before, and he’s clearly not backing down from the challenge.
For now, the wait continues. But one thing’s for sure-whichever hat Mingo puts on when he makes his announcement, it’s going to send ripples across the college basketball landscape.