Hubert Davis and the Tar Heels got their guy!
After months of this roller coaster recruitment, North Carolina ends up being the one that lands the commitment from the top-rated point guard in the 2026 class.
Dylan Mingo commits to North Carolina
Mingo, a five-star prospect who ranks as the No. 2 player in the class by Rivals, has pledged to Hubert Davis and the UNC basketball program, becoming the second player from the 2026 cycle to commit to the Tar Heels. The Long Island Lutheran High School star chose the Tar Heels over his other finalists: Baylor, Penn State, and Washington.
The announcement came live on ESPN's First Take, showing just how big-time this announcement was.
Quality over Quantity
The days of huge recruiting classes are likely over.
With the emergence of the transfer portal, most top-tier programs are going to college basketball's free agent market to address their major needs. Even though programs strive to add veteran talent, the top-tier high school players still receive the love they deserve, as North Carolina made it a priority to bring Mingo into the fold.
Two commitments for a recruiting class might not seem like much, but when you secure pledges from two top-25 ranked prospects (including a McDonald's All-American), it's safe to say that the recruiting class will be measued by it's quality, not quantity.
What Mingo's commitment means for UNC
Mingo fits exactly what the UNC basketball program is looking for from its guards.
A 6-foot-5 presence, Mingo has the ability to play either guard position. Even though his commitment just came rolling in, Tar Heel fans are already dreaming of the potential backcourt duo of Mingo and Derek Dixon, who will have a full season of experience under his belt to help lead this dynamic back court unit.
While Seth Trimble will exhaust his eligibility, plus the fact that you really don't know what to expect with the transfer portal, adding Mingo will certainly help supply the back court with additional depth and star power to work with.
It's not everyday you can replace a four-year veteran who made an outstanding impact on the program with the top-rated guard in the resepective high school recruiting class.
Hubert Davis and the Tar Heels did just that, and Mingo's commitment is a BIG one!
As always, it's a GREAT DAY TO BE A TAR HEEL!