The vibes in Chapel Hill are sky-high right now-and for good reason. North Carolina just pulled off a statement win over No.
4 Duke, a victory that not only energized the fan base but also sent a clear message across the college basketball landscape: the Tar Heels are for real. That win vaulted UNC to No. 11 in the nation, and it’s not just the present that’s looking bright.
The future might be getting even better.
Enter Dylan Mingo.
The 5-star point guard is one of the premier prospects in the 2026 class, and all signs are pointing to North Carolina being firmly in the mix-if not leading the charge-for his commitment. There’s no official announcement yet, but there’s a growing sense that Mingo might be ready to shut down his recruitment sooner rather than later. And if that happens, it could be another massive win for Hubert Davis and his staff.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t a done deal. Mingo is still weighing his options, with Penn State, Baylor, and Washington also in the running.
Baylor, in particular, had been viewed as a frontrunner not long ago, with several predictions leaning their way. But the landscape shifted when Mingo delayed a previously scheduled commitment date earlier this winter.
That decision gave UNC more time to make its case-and based on how things are trending, it’s safe to say they’ve made a strong impression.
The timing couldn’t be better. The Tar Heels are coming off one of the most emotional wins of the season, knocking off their biggest rival in front of a raucous home crowd. That kind of energy is infectious, and for a recruit like Mingo-who’s looking not just for a program, but for a culture-it matters.
Seth Trimble deserves a spotlight here, too. His performance in the Duke game was a difference-maker, and it’s the kind of showing that doesn’t just win games-it helps win recruiting battles. When a top-tier point guard sees a fellow guard thriving in big moments under Davis, it sends a message: you can do that here, too.
From a roster standpoint, Mingo would be a major addition. He’s a floor general with elite court vision, explosive first-step quickness, and a mature understanding of the game well beyond his years. Plugging him into a backcourt that’s already trending upward would give UNC one of the most dynamic guard rotations in the country, both now and in seasons to come.
We’re not at the finish line yet. Mingo’s recruitment is still open, and anything can happen.
But the momentum is real. The Tar Heels are surging on the court, and they’re putting themselves in a strong position off it as well.
If Mingo does end up in Carolina blue, it won’t just be a win for the recruiting rankings-it’ll be a foundational piece for the next chapter of UNC basketball.
For now, Tar Heel fans can enjoy the ride. The win over Duke was a reminder of what this program is capable of. And if Dylan Mingo decides to join the party, the future might be even brighter than the present.