4-star DB has special message for UNC fans right after committing

In a recruiting journey that included commitments to Alabama and UCF, four-star athlete Jamarrion 'Juice' Gordon officially made his pledge to North Carolina football, pushing the Tar Heels class to 23 verbal commitments and back into the Top 20 according to 247Sports.

Gordon's recruitment seemed to come down to UNC and FSU with the Jackson, Ala. prospect visiting both campuses unofficially over the past 10 days. Ole Miss was also in the picture, but Gordon seemed to have moved on from the Rebels in the past few weeks. Alabama and UCF, the schools he committed to last year, have not been in the picture for several months. Gordon had an official visit scheduled for FSU on the weekend of Aug. 29, but for now that appears to be off the table.

This marks the home stretch of recruiting for UNC. Gordon was one of the biggest targets remaining on the board and should set the Heels up for a solid run of prospects being brought in the fold before the season begins. Him letting UNC fans know that he's 'home' too has made his pledge even better.

Commitment watch: Who's next to join UNC's 2026 recruiting class?

The next name that could commit to UNC is wide receiver Zamaurious Robertson, a three-star wide receiver from Dillon, South Carolina. Robertson could make his decision any day and there's a good chance that he's going to select the Tar Heels as long as they are willing to take his commitment.

Four-star wide receiver Keeyun Chapman is Gordon's teammate and a major target for the Tar Heels. He could make his declaration as early as Friday. This is also a two-team race between FSU and UNC, one that the Heels are believed to have a slight lead in.

Carnell Warren, another big-bodied receiver out of South Carolina, recently backed off his pledge from Virginia Tech and appeared to be favoring UNC. Warren has yet to set another announcement date, but his social media may give a strong hint to where he's leaning.