Dream Rashad Flips to UNC: Belichick, Family Vibe, and a New Chapter in Chapel Hill
When Bill Belichick joined the UNC football program, there was plenty of buzz about what kind of impact the legendary coach would have on the recruiting trail. Now we’re starting to see the results-and they’re already making waves.
On the first day of the Early Signing Period, UNC landed a big-time flip as tight end Dream Rashad decommitted from Purdue and pledged to the Tar Heels. For a program that’s building serious momentum, this one’s a statement.
Rashad, a 6-foot-7, 235-pound athlete out of Buford, Georgia, had been committed to Purdue since June. But once North Carolina entered the picture in late October, things started to shift. The Tar Heels extended an offer and got him on campus for their final home game of the 2025 season-a visit that clearly left a mark.
“I got that close-knit type of family vibe on campus,” Rashad said. “Of course they also have coach Bill Belichick … And TE is an important part of what they want to do on offense.”
Let’s break that down. First, the “family vibe” isn’t just a feel-good phrase-it’s a key part of UNC’s recruiting identity under this new-look staff.
Second, and maybe more importantly, Belichick’s presence matters. This is a coach who’s worked with some of the best tight ends the NFL has seen.
If you’re a high school player with pro aspirations at that position, it’s hard not to take notice.
And Rashad, despite being relatively new to the tight end spot, has the kind of raw tools that make coaches take notice. He started out playing quarterback before switching to tight end, and while his stat line-16 catches and 3 touchdowns-doesn’t jump off the page, the upside is obvious. At his size, with that kind of athleticism, he’s the kind of player who can be molded into a serious weapon in the passing game.
The Tar Heels are betting on that potential. And with Belichick in the building, they’ve got the right guy to develop it.
This flip also adds to what is now the largest recruiting class in UNC football history-a class that’s beginning to reflect the program’s growing ambition. Rashad’s commitment is another piece of that puzzle, and it’s a big one.
There’s also an interesting wrinkle here: Dream’s younger brother, Seven Rashad, is a Class of 2027 prospect who’s already committed to Purdue. It’s early, but don’t be surprised if UNC keeps that pipeline open.
For now, though, the focus is on Dream. His decision to join the Tar Heels is a win not just for the tight end room, but for a program that’s clearly on the rise. With Belichick helping shape the future and recruits like Rashad buying in, the foundation in Chapel Hill is starting to look rock solid.
The Early Signing Period just kicked off, but for UNC, it’s already living up to its name-it’s been a Dream start.