The interest is real: North Carolina extends offer to a Class of 2026 five-star… See more below

North Carolina has made its move: the Tar Heels have extended an official scholarship offer to Qayden Samuels, a five-star small forward in the Class of 2026 .

🏀 Samuels: A Rising Star

• Position & Profile: A 6′5″, 200-pound small forward from Bishop McNamara (District Heights, Maryland), ranked No. 20 nationally and the top prospect in Maryland per 247Sports ).
• On-Court Credentials: Samuels led scoring at the NBPA Top 100 Camp and earned first-team honors, boosting his consideration from top college programs .
• Recruitment Status: He holds more than 20 scholarship offers and now adds UNC to the mix (.

📣 UNC’s Recruiting Pitch

• Coach Hubert Davis and staff are targeting depth on the wing, and Samuels’ left-handed game fits well into their scheme .
• With 11 recruits already in UNC’s Class of 2026, Samuels represents a high-profile addition that could elevate the roster’s talent pool .

🔎 Broader 2026 Recruiting Context

• UNC has thrown its hat in the ring for multiple five-star talents. Among them:
  • Dylan Mingo, a versatile 6′5″ guard from New York, received UNC’s offer and is currently tearing it up in the EYBL, averaging 18.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists ).
  • Toni Bryant, a 6′9″ forward also on UNC’s radar since February, was offered earlier and ranks among the top national prospects .
• According to TarHeelIllustrated, UNC’s 2026 class features 13 prospects with offers, including other elite wings like Cameron Holmes, Dylan Mingo, and Deron Rippey Jr.—all showing varying levels of “hot,” “warm,” or “cool” recruitment status .

⏭ What’s Next

• Samuels is expected to take an official visit to UNC as the recruitment progresses through non-stop evaluation, summer camps, and future college tours.
• Rivals like Kentucky, Michigan, and Tennessee are also expected to intensify their pursuit in the coming months .

🏁 Bottom Line

UNC’s offer to Qayden Samuels signals serious intent and expands the five-star discussion in Chapel Hill. With strong competitors in the mix, the Tar Heels are stepping up their Class of 2026 strategy. The next year will be decisive, especially once campus visits kick in—potentially shaping UNC’s future wing rotation.

Let me know if you’d like updates on Samuels’ official decision, or tracking on other Tar Heel targets this summer!