Bill Belichick, UNC Land Promising 2027 Recruiting Class Ranking

The North Carolina Tar Heels have taken a step in the right direction in the second year under head coach Bill Belichick. The Tar Heels are 4-3 in the 2026 season after going 4-8 in 2025.

Although North Carolina won't be a contender to make it into the College Football Playoff, they have been a much more competitive team. The Tar Heels could take another jump in 2027, as Belichick and his staff are putting together a strong 2027 recruiting class. 

ESPN has ranked North Carolina's class as the 35th-best in the country, led by wide receiver Amare Patterson and defensive end Brayden Booth. 

Patterson played well in 2025, as he hauled in 51 receptions for 912 yards and 10 touchdowns while rushing for 136 yards on 11 carries. 

Booth could be a key piece on the defensive line for North Carolina, as he recorded 35 tackles, five tackles for loss, a sack, and two PBU's in 2024. He played at a high level in 2025, finishing with 85 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and three sacks.

These additions should give the Tar Heels a chance to make the College Football Playoff and compete for an ACC Title. Before they add the new talent, North Carolina will look to have a great end to the season and build momentum ahead of next year.

The Tar Heels have a major clash on Saturday against the No. 1 Miami Hurricanes. To pull off an upset against the nation's best team, North Carolina will need to play near-perfect football.

It will start with quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., who has completed 60.2 percent of his passes for 1,531 yards, 11 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He will need to connect with wide receiver Jordan Shipp, who is having a strong season, as he's hauled in 41 receptions for 543 yards and two touchdowns. 

Tight end Jelani Thurman will also need to play a big role in the passing attack, as he's caught 33 passes for 391 yards and four touchdowns. Running back Demon June will also look to play a key role, as he's rushed for 245 yards and seven touchdowns. 

North Carolina will also need to stop the Hurricanes' explosive offense led by Darian Mensah and Malachi Toney. Mensah has played well, completing 81.4 percent of his passes for 2,151 yards, 22 touchdowns, and one interception. 

Toney has been one of the best wide receivers in college football, as he's caught 66 passes for 952 yards and 11 touchdowns. 

If the Tar Heels can get some stops and ignite their offense, they could pull off a major upset and build a ton of momentum heading into next season. Belichick is one of the greatest coaches in NFL history, and with the talent they're adding in 2027, the program should only get better.