Dylan Mingo, one of the crown jewels of the 2026 recruiting class, is finally ready to make his decision-and the college basketball world is watching closely.
The five-star guard, ranked No. 6 overall in the class, has locked in his commitment date for Thursday, January 22. After months of quiet visits and minimal public buzz, Mingo is down to four finalists: Baylor, North Carolina, Penn State, and Washington.
A Quiet Recruitment, But a Big Decision Looms
For a player of Mingo’s caliber-elite athleticism, polished skill set, and the kind of upside that makes college coaches lose sleep-it’s been a surprisingly low-key recruitment. Despite being one of the most coveted guards in the country, there hasn’t been much noise about which program holds the lead. But that’s about to change.
With his decision just days away, we’re getting a clearer picture of how things are shaping up behind the scenes.
Who’s Still in the Hunt?
Let’s start with the programs that appear to be fading.
Washington hasn’t generated much momentum in this race. While they made Mingo’s final four, there’s been little recent activity or buzz suggesting they’re a serious contender at this stage.
Penn State, meanwhile, has a family connection working in its favor-Mingo’s older brother, Kayden, is currently on the roster. But the Nittany Lions’ uneven 9-8 start to the season hasn’t exactly strengthened their case. And with speculation swirling that Kayden could be exploring transfer options after the season, it’s fair to question whether the family tie is enough to keep Dylan in Happy Valley.
That leaves us with what looks like a two-horse race: Baylor and North Carolina.
Baylor’s Case: Momentum and Fit
Right now, Baylor might just be the program sitting in pole position. The Bears have built a reputation for developing dynamic guards, and Mingo’s skill set fits right into that mold. Baylor’s staff has been consistent in their pursuit, and the buzz suggests they’ve made a strong impression.
The Bears’ recent success, both in the Big 12 and nationally, gives them a compelling pitch: come to Waco, get developed, and win. For a player looking to make an immediate impact and prepare for the next level, that’s hard to ignore.
North Carolina’s Push: Late Surge from Chapel Hill
Don’t count out UNC, though. Hubert Davis and his staff have made Mingo a top priority, especially following the recruitment of Deron Rippey Jr. to rival Duke. With that move shaking up the recruiting landscape, the Tar Heels have doubled down on their efforts to land Mingo.
There’s been strong communication between the UNC staff and Mingo’s camp, and Chapel Hill offers the kind of tradition, exposure, and player development that few programs can match. Davis has shown he’s not afraid to go toe-to-toe with top programs for elite talent-and win.
What’s Next?
With just a few days left until Mingo makes his choice, the tension is building. Baylor may have the edge today, but this recruitment has seen its fair share of twists. North Carolina is making a late push, and in the world of high-level recruiting, a few days can change everything.
One thing’s for sure: come Thursday, one of these programs is about to land a game-changing talent.
Stay tuned.