UNC Basketball Eyes Dylan Mingo as Pressure Mounts Following Rippey’s Duke Commitment
The recruiting trail can be a rollercoaster, and right now, North Carolina is feeling the full ride. After missing out on elite point guard Deron Rippey Jr.-who just gave his commitment to archrival Duke-the Tar Heels are turning their full attention to another prized recruit: Dylan Mingo.
Mingo, a five-star prospect in the 2026 class, has UNC among his final choices, and there’s a growing sense that this recruitment could define the next phase of Hubert Davis’ roster-building efforts. While Rippey choosing Duke wasn’t a shock-UNC wasn’t in his final group-his decision still stings in Chapel Hill.
That’s the nature of this rivalry. When a top-tier talent picks Durham over Carolina, it’s never just another commitment.
It raises the stakes, and in this case, it puts even more weight on UNC’s pursuit of Mingo.
Here’s where things stand: Mingo recently narrowed his list to four-North Carolina, Washington, Baylor, and Penn State. But the buzz around his recruitment suggests this is shaping up to be a two-horse race between the Tar Heels and the Nittany Lions.
And that’s where it gets tricky for Carolina. Mingo’s older brother currently plays at Penn State, and that family connection is real.
It’s the kind of intangible that can tilt a recruitment, even when a blue blood like UNC is in the mix.
That said, Hubert Davis has already landed one big fish in the 2026 class: five-star forward Maximo Adams, who sits at No. 12 among small forwards in the 247Sports Composite rankings. Adams’ commitment was a major win, especially in a cycle where UNC has seen several top targets slip away. So while there’s been some frustration around missed opportunities, the staff has shown it can still close on elite talent.
But make no mistake-Mingo’s decision looms large. He’s the kind of player who can anchor a class and shift the narrative.
He brings high-level scoring ability, athleticism, and a competitive edge that fits the Carolina mold. And after watching Rippey head to Duke, UNC fans are understandably eager for a win on the trail.
There’s no set timeline for Mingo’s announcement, but all signs point to a decision coming soon. Until then, the Tar Heel faithful will be holding their breath, hoping Davis and his staff can seal the deal. Because if Mingo picks Carolina, it won’t just be a recruiting victory-it’ll be a statement that UNC is still a major player in the high-stakes world of elite college basketball recruiting.