As the North Carolina Tar Heels and head coach Bill Belichick enter the offseason, the 2027 recruiting class is now a top priority for the program in the coming months.

Currently, the Tar Heels possess three commits within the upcoming class, including four-star athlete Marquis Bryant. However, this could change in the next couple of weeks after the recent news regarding one of North Carolina’s top targets in the 2027 recruiting class.

According to Rivals’ Sam Spiegelman and Hayes Fawcett, 2027 four-star defensive linemen Zane Rowe is set to announce his commitment on Mar 13, with the Tar Heels making the cut for his final four teams.

Rowe is widely considered to be one of the top defensive prospects within the upcoming recruiting class. As of late February, the highly regarded target is the No. 11-ranked prospect out of the state of Texas, as well as the No. 12-ranked EDGE in the 2027 recruiting class, per 247Sports’ Composite.

One of the main reasons for his rise within the class is due to his impressive junior season at Denton Guyer High School. In 2025, Rowe finished with 72 tackles, 26 tackles for losses, and eight sacks. And despite playing on the defensive line, the talented playmaker also recorded 14 pass deflections and two interceptions, making him a true threat in the pass game.

In addition to his success on the defensive side of the ball, Rowe also managed to have a role on offense as the Wildcats’ tight end, as he ended the 2025 season with eight catches for 98 yards and two touchdowns. Rowe’s versatility on the football field proves that he is an elite athlete, which will help him at the college level.

However, in order to land Rowe in the 2027 cycle, North Carolina must fight off the likes of the Oklahoma Sooners, the Oregon Ducks, and the Washington Huskies. The Ducks and head coach Dan Lanning have been on the pursuit of Rowe since 2023, so his foundation with some of the top programs may affect his decision.

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