As we get deeper into the offseason, the North Carolina Tar Heels continue adding recruits to their future football roster.
UNC already has most of its 2025 recruiting class locked in, headlined by 4-star quarterback Bryce Baker, plus a few commitments in the Class of 2026.
On Monday, February 10, North Carolina landed another commitment in the form of offensive lineman Zion Smith. Hailing from the famous DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, Smith is the Tar Heels‘ first offensive line commit in the 2026 class.
Smith, currently ranked as a 3-star recruit, joins five other commits in athlete Jaden Jefferson, cornerbacks Marcellous Ryan and Justin Lewis, quarterback Zaid Lott and running back Crew Davis.
“I really like the Tar Heels, actually,” Smith recently told Inside Carolina. “I got a really good sense of what they do [and] what they are. I really like Coach (Bill) Belichick. I like all the guys — Coach [Freddie] Kitchens, Coach [Will] Friend, [Bob] Diaco. It’s a great coaching staff.”
There’s no telling who Smith will protect at quarterback when he arrives on campus, but I’m willing to bet it’s Baker or Lott. UNC could also easily add more quarterback recruits, transfer portal veterans or start a walk-on.
North Carolina certainly isn’t done yet adding Class of 2026 recruits. If the Tar Heels enjoy the type of season they’re expected to in Year One under Belichick, expect four and 5-stars to have Chapel Hill on their college football radar.
When Smith officially puts on his UNC uniform for the first time, can he stay healthy? North Carolina shuffled its 2024 offensive line plenty, part of the reason behind another disappointing finish.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC football lands commitment from Class of 2026 lineman Zion Smith
