Bill Belichick may lack prior experience in recruiting high school athletes, but his early efforts haven’t let UNC fans down. In the latest ESPN 300 rankings, the Tar Heels have secured commitments from five prospects: Keeyun Red Chapman (No. 68 wide receiver), Carnell Warren (No. 251 receiver), Travis Burgess (No. 254 quarterback) and Trashawn Ruffin (No. 283 defensive tackle).
Following his commitment in March, Ruffin has been actively recruiting fellow 2026 class prospects and hyped more recruiting momentum for UNC ahead in an X post:
"I promise you we ain’t done yet!"

Meanwhile, another top UNC pledge, Zavion Griffin-Haynes, stirred excitement on X by saying he’s trying to “flip the whole country.” When a fan urged him to flip an Oregon commit, Griffin-Haynes brought up five-star tight end Kendre Harrison.
That said, convincing Harrison to change his mind won’t be easy. Several Ducks commits backed off their pledges in the last few months, but Harrison hasn't wavered since committing to Oregon on Nov. 30.
The five-star tight end also shut down his recruitment in March, telling On3's Hayes Fawcett:
“What’s understood don’t have to be explained, I’m HOME… SCO DUCKS."
Bill Belichick already holds commitments from two tight ends in the 2026 class: three-star prospects Cooper McCutchan from Ohio and Aidan Woods from Virginia.
Trashawn Ruffin reaffirms his commitment to Bill Belichick's UNC
Trashawn Ruffin is a former Texas A&M commit who flipped to UNC four months ago. He had originally chosen the Aggies back in October 2024 over offers from programs like Ohio State, Georgia, Texas, Michigan and Florida State.
Speaking with SI at the start of the month, Ruffin shared that making an early decision to join UNC relieved a lot of pressure and allowed him to focus more on improving his game. He also provided an update on his commitment to Bill Belichick’s program:
"I don't plan any more visits. Locked in, I love my coaches already. I know them all by name, and I feel that they truly do want and need me. Now I am here and ain't going anywhere. Gonna be a long ride. I am good. UNC is where I want to be."
Ruffin is the No. 27 defensive lineman in the 2026 class and the No. 14 recruit in North Carolina, according to the On3 Industry Rankings.
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