The UNC Football program reels in another Class of 2026 four-star talent

"Let 'em cook!"

That's exactly what the UNC football program is doing on the recruiting trail, as they secured another Class of 2026 commitment from four-star linebacker Calvin Thomas.

Regarded as a top-20 linebacker in his graduating class, Thomas has decided to call Chapel Hill his future home. The Cypress, Texas native chose North Carolina over fellow finalists Michigan, Nebraska, SMU, and Texas.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder becomes the fifth commitment that the UNC football program has secured this far in July. Of those five pledges, three are regarded as four-star talents, while the other pair of commitments have the potential to become four-stars before this recruiting cycle comes to an end.

North Carolina jumped in the mix in January when they extended an offer Thomas' way. The interest was mutual essentially from the jump, as Thomas included the Tar Heels in his top-15 while making an official visit to campus at the end of May.

Now, Thomas has decided that Chapel Hill is the right place for him.

Thomas put together a stellar junior season at Cy Ranch High School, finishing the year with 69 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, along with an interception. While he dominates on the football field, he has also made a name for himself as a track athlete, finishing in third place in the 300-meter hurdles for the Texas 6A regional qualifiers.

A player with a tremendous amount of athleticism, Thomas should not only be useful at the linebacker position, but also has the skills to be a dominant force as an edge rusher. It's safe to say that Bill and Steve Belichick will find ways to utilize him in multiple ways, as both have a strong reputation for developing elite talent on the defensive side of the ball.

The UNC football program continues to thrive on the recruiting trail, as the 2026 class features over 30 commitments. North Carolina has identified its targets in the Class of 2026 and have done a tremendous job in convincing them to call Chapel Hill their future home.

It's rather simple: come to Chapel Hill to play for Bill!