Head Coach Bill Belichick has been on a tear during his short tenure at North Carolina. Whether it’s reeling in big-time recruits, landing high-quality transfers, or bringing buzz to the football program, Belichick has been busy.
In the most recent news on the UNC football recruiting trail, the Tar Heels made the final five list for 2026 wide receiver Landon Dowden.
Let me know where home is‼️@adamgorney @JohnGarcia_Jr @TomLoy247 @BrandonHuffman @BrianDohn247 @ChadSimmons_ @SWiltfong_ @HSSportsFL @DanLaForestFB @maddmedia_ pic.twitter.com/WAugvdPBzf
— Landon (@lj2certifixd) January 15, 2025
Dowden’s final five — Ohio State, Oregon, Arkansas, Texas A&M, and North Carolina — is a stacked list. It’s encouraging seeing UNC on a list with some other powerhouse football schools. That just speaks to Belichick's strong pull and commitment to the UNC football rebuild.
Dowden currently attends Evangelical Christian School in Fort Myers, FL. The junior receiver has intriguing potential and solid size at 6-foot-1, but he’ll need to fill out his lean, 170-pound frame. Dowden is an exceptional athlete with soft hands and elusive route running. He’d be an important addition to the Tar Heels’ wide receiver corp.
There’s no timeline for additional list cuts or a decision date, but Dowden’s recruitment is certainly one to monitor. Could there be a promising future partnership between Dowden and incoming UNC freshman quarterback Bryce Baker? Hopefully, Belichick can close the deal.