Decision day is closing in for UNC's priority recruiting target Dylan Mingo

For a five-star player of Dylan Mingo's caliber, it's a bit surprising that his recruitment has been this quiet up to this point.

While we know of his visits and other leaking information, there hasn't been much to say which programs are in the lead at this point in time.

Well, we won't have to wait much longer, as Mingo is planning on making his final decision this week.

When will Dylan Mingo commit?

The No. 6-ranked prospect in the Class of 2026 has set a commitment date for Thursday, January 22. He is down to four finalists in his recruitment: Baylor, North Carolina, Penn State and Washington.

Who is in the lead?

At this point, who really knows!

This really feels like a two-team race at this point. Of the programs still involved, Washington appears to be out of the mix, as there hasn't been much buzz surrounding them in this recruitment. Penn State, where Mingo's brother, Kayden, plays, also feels like it is losing ground, especially with their 9-8 start to the season. If Kayden is already thinking about pursuing other opportunities after the season via the transfer portal, that alone would rule the Nittany Lions out of contention.

That leaves Baylor and North Carolina battling it out for the top-tier commitment.

Based on the tea leaves, Baylor might have the advantage at this point, but expect Hubert Davis and the UNC basketball program to make a strong push to bring him to Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels staff has been in contact with Mingo and his family and has made him a priority on the recruiting trail, especially after Deron Rippey Jr. made his way to Durham.

While Baylor might have the edge now, this recruitment has had plenty of changes over the last few months. The hope for North Carolina is that by Thursday, Mingo elects to wear Carolina Blue next season for the UNC basketball program.