The Tar Heels are gearing up for a rivalry showdown at NC State tonight, but they’ve already notched a major win off the court - and it’s one that could shape their future in a big way. Five-star combo guard Dylan Mingo, one of the most sought-after prospects in the 2026 class, has committed to North Carolina, choosing Chapel Hill over a list of heavy hitters that included Penn State, Baylor, and Washington.
Mingo, ranked No. 8 nationally in the 2026 recruiting cycle, is the No. 3 combo guard in the class and the top-ranked player from New York. His decision comes after a brief delay in his commitment - a delay that had many insiders believing Baylor and Scott Drew were in the driver’s seat. But in the end, it’s Hubert Davis and the Tar Heels who landed one of the most dynamic young guards in the country.
This is exactly the kind of recruiting win Davis envisioned when he took over the Carolina program. He made it clear from day one: he wanted to recruit nationally and bring elite talent back to Chapel Hill. With Mingo’s commitment, UNC has now landed a high-profile prospect in three straight classes - a remarkable run in an era where the transfer portal often dominates roster building.
Mingo also continues a recent trend of Carolina pulling top-tier talent out of New York. He follows in the footsteps of Ian Jackson, another five-star guard who committed to UNC two years ago. That pipeline to the Empire State is producing big results, and it’s clear the Tar Heels are making a strong impression on elite guards from the Northeast.
So what exactly is UNC getting in Dylan Mingo? According to 247Sports Director of Scouting Adam Finkelstein, Mingo brings a rare mix of size, skill, and versatility.
At over 6-foot-4 with a wingspan north of 6-foot-10, he’s got the physical tools to impact the game on both ends. He’s a crafty ball handler with a tight handle, capable of breaking down defenders with a deep bag of combo moves.
He’s comfortable navigating traffic, making smart reads out of ball screens, and creating for both himself and his teammates.
Defensively, Mingo is no slouch either. He’s a disruptive presence on the perimeter, averaging two steals per game, and he rebounds at a high level for a guard - pulling down 7.6 boards per contest. That kind of two-way impact is rare at the high school level, and it’s part of what makes him such a coveted prospect.
Of course, like any young player, there are areas for growth. His shooting remains a work in progress - he hit just 23% from three in 13 EYBL games, and his mechanics are still a bit unconventional.
His shot starts with a unique catch-and-load motion that could use refinement, and at times, he can be a little loose with the ball, contributing to a near one-to-one assist-to-turnover ratio (2.8 assists to 2.5 turnovers). But the upside is undeniable.
Mingo’s development trajectory has been on a steady climb. He’s been on the radar since middle school, but he’s continued to elevate his game year after year. And with his 17th birthday still months away - he won’t turn 17 until October of his senior year - there’s still plenty of room for him to grow, both physically and in terms of his game.
Mingo joins Maximo Adams as the second commit in UNC’s 2026 class. And while it’s still early, this class is already shaping up to be another strong one for Davis and his staff. More importantly, it signals that the Tar Heels are continuing to land the kind of top-tier talent that can make an immediate impact.
For Mingo, the path to Chapel Hill likely runs through just one season - and that’s by design. The recent development of players like Caleb Wilson, who was making waves before his injury, shows that UNC can still be a launchpad for NBA dreams. Mingo’s commitment isn’t just a win for the Tar Heels - it’s a statement that Carolina basketball remains a destination for the best of the best.