North Carolina’s pursuit of Dylan Mingo just got a lot more interesting-and a whole lot more high-stakes. The five-star guard out of New York has been a hot name on the recruiting trail for months, but now the buzz is reaching a new level. Mingo, already considered one of the elite prospects in the 2026 class, has officially been named the No. 1 point guard in the nation by Rivals in their latest rankings update.
That’s a massive development, especially with UNC right in the thick of the race to land him. Hubert Davis and his staff have been pushing hard, and recent predictions from recruiting analysts suggest the Tar Heels might just be in the driver’s seat. If they do close the deal, it would be a marquee addition for a program that’s already making waves with its youth movement.
The updated rankings also add a bit of drama to the story. Right behind Mingo in the point guard pecking order?
None other than Deron Rippey Jr., a five-star Duke commit. That’s right-if Mingo ends up in Chapel Hill, we’re looking at a potential future rivalry between the top two point guards in the class, each representing one of college basketball’s most storied programs.
That’s the kind of subplot that writes itself.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. While the momentum seems to be swinging UNC’s way, this recruitment is far from over.
Earlier this winter, there was a strong prediction linking Mingo to Baylor, and that sent a ripple of concern through Tar Heel circles. But then came the twist-Mingo decided to delay his commitment, giving Davis and company more time to make their pitch.
And make no mistake, that pitch is compelling. UNC has a lot to offer, and Mingo’s surely watching what current five-star freshman Caleb Wilson is doing in Chapel Hill. Wilson’s early success could serve as a blueprint for Mingo-a glimpse at what’s possible in Davis’ system for a guard with elite tools and a high basketball IQ.
According to the 247Sports Composite, Mingo is listed as the No. 2 combo guard in the country and the No. 5 overall prospect in the 2026 class. That versatility is part of what makes him so valuable.
He’s got the size, the court vision, the handle, and the scoring instincts to impact the game in a variety of ways. Whether he’s running the show or playing off the ball, he’s a matchup problem waiting to happen.
Now, the clock is ticking. A decision could come soon-or not.
That’s the unpredictable nature of high-stakes recruiting. But what’s clear is that North Carolina is in a strong position.
If they can land Mingo, it would be a statement not just for this recruiting cycle, but for the direction of the program under Davis. The Tar Heels are building something, and Dylan Mingo could be the next cornerstone piece.