UNC Football among the finalists for an elite cornerback from the Class of 2026

Mark August 2 down on your calendars as an important day for the UNC football program on the recruiting trail.

Elite Class of 2026 talent, Davon Benjamin Jr., confirmed to Hayes Fawcett his list of five finalists. He will make his decision on the aforementioned date, choosing his future destination between the following finalists:

Michigan
North Carolina
Oregon
Texas
Washington

The UNC football program has secured a spot among the finalists for the player that Rivals ranks as the top cornerback in this given recruiting class. While Oregon likely serves as the frontrunner up to this point, there's still time for Michael Lombardi, Bill Belichick and the Tar Heels to make a last minute push to change his mind.

North Carolina has been extremely active on the recruiting trail, as the program has already secured over 30 commitments from Class of 2026 standouts. Adding a player of Benjamin Jr.'s caliber would be another major splash for this recruiting class, one that is viewed as a top-20 group in the country.

In a recent evaluation, Greg Biggins, the National Recruiting Analyst at 247Sports, believes that the six-foot, 187-pound cornerback is destined to be a future top pick in the NFL Draft:

"Benjamin is the most versatile defensive back out West and could end up starting at corner, safety or nickel. A talented receiver as well and offers playmaking ability as a punt/kick returner. Plays predominately safety at the H.S level to allow him to roam sideline to sideline and take advantage of his range and ballhawk ability but has excellent man to man cover skills. Has locked up some talented receivers on the 7v7 circuit and shows the ability to play a physical game without having to clutch and grab like so many young corners. Athletically gifted, a twitchy athlete who can stop and start on a dime, change direction and has the speed to run with just about anyone down the field. Plays a physical game in run support and can fly off the hash and lay out an opposing ball carrier. A smart, high IQ football player and very instinctive. When combine his physical tools with his high compete level, it won't surprise at all if Benjamin is a potential three-and out college player and a high round NFL Draft pick."

It's great to be among the finalists for this recruitment, but the main objective is to bring him to Chapel Hill. Let's see if the UNC football program can secure the deal, adding another elite talent to their already impressive 2026 recruiting haul.