As North Carolina gears up for its final non-conference matchup of the 2025-26 regular season, there’s more than just a win on the line Monday night in Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels will be hosting one of the most coveted high school prospects in the country - and his visit could have long-term implications for the program.
CJ Rosser, the No. 2 overall prospect in the Class of 2027, is set to be in the building for an unofficial visit as UNC takes on East Carolina. It’s a major recruiting moment for Hubert Davis and his staff, who are looking to make a strong impression on a player with the potential to be a game-changer at the next level.
A Hometown Talent with National Attention
Rosser is a name that’s been buzzing in recruiting circles for a while now. Originally from Rocky Mount, North Carolina, the 6-foot-10 forward is currently playing his high school ball down in Orlando, Florida - but that hasn’t stopped his home-state program from staying in the mix.
UNC is one of several high-major programs vying for Rosser’s commitment, and Monday night offers the Tar Heels a chance to roll out the red carpet. For Davis and company, it’s about more than just showing Rosser a good time - it’s about showing him a vision. A vision that includes his future in Carolina blue.
The Caleb Wilson Blueprint
If Rosser is looking for a model of what his college career could look like, he doesn’t have to search far. Caleb Wilson has been one of the breakout stars of this college basketball season, anchoring UNC’s frontcourt with a mix of length, athleticism, and versatility that’s made him a matchup nightmare.
At 6-foot-10 and 195 pounds, Rosser brings a strikingly similar frame and skill set to the table. The way UNC has utilized Wilson - stretching the floor, attacking off the dribble, defending multiple positions - is exactly the type of role that could appeal to a player like Rosser.
It’s not just about minutes; it’s about fit, development, and maximizing potential. And right now, Wilson is making a compelling case that Chapel Hill is a place where bigs like Rosser can thrive.
A Select Group
UNC isn’t casting a wide net with the 2027 recruiting class - they’ve only extended four scholarship offers so far. That makes Rosser’s presence on campus even more significant. He’s one of just two big men the Tar Heels are actively pursuing in this class, and both happen to play at the same high school: Southeastern Prep.
That other frontcourt target? Obinna Ekezie Jr., Rosser’s teammate and another high-upside prospect who’s drawing attention from top programs.
The two have already developed chemistry on the court, and there’s a real possibility they could bring that connection to the college level. For UNC, the idea of landing both Rosser and Ekezie Jr. is more than just a recruiting dream - it’s a strategic vision for the future of their frontcourt.
What’s Next?
For now, all eyes will be on Chapel Hill Monday night - not just for what happens on the court, but for what could be unfolding in the stands. Rosser’s visit is unofficial, but the stakes are anything but casual. This is a chance for North Carolina to plant a flag, to remind one of the nation’s top young players that his journey started in the Tar Heel State - and it could very well continue there.
In the ever-competitive world of college basketball recruiting, moments like these matter. And for UNC, Monday night could be the beginning of something big.