Mack Brown will not return as North Carolina’s coach so now there will be a new regime in Chapel Hill. Here are the first five calls the new coach should make in terms of recruits.
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1. David Sanders Jr.
National Signing Day is next Wednesday so if a new coach is in place within days then he will have a chance to convince some elite 2025 prospects to think twice about North Carolina.
Sanders should absolutely be the first call for numerous reasons: He’s the best offensive tackle in the 2025 class and he plays at Charlotte (N.C.) Providence Day, just two hours from campus. Early on, the five-star was taking a serious look at the Tar Heels.
He also seems to be wavering on his Tennessee commitment a little bit as Ohio State looks to flip him so there could be an opening, especially if a big NIL package is put together to keep him home.
2. Bryce Baker
The early reaction from Baker’s family following the news that Brown was fired was certainly not positive but the four-star quarterback has maintained a high level of interest in the Tar Heels throughout his recruitment.
It was always felt that if Brown returned to Chapel Hill that the Kernersville (N.C.) East Forsyth four-star quarterback was never going to flip. But only a week until signing day and now Baker will have to quickly figure things out as Penn State is looking for a quarterback and now LSU, Texas A&M and others are in that market as well after late flips.
If the new coach can be put in place quickly, Baker is maybe priority No. 1.
3. Isaiah Campbell
Does this news about Brown make Campbell a Tennessee lock? The Vols had the Durham (N.C.) Southern Durham four-star defensive end, who had previously been committed to Clemson, on campus over the weekend and might have had the lead already. This has been a Tennessee vs. North Carolina battle since his de-commitment.
But a new coach in place at North Carolina could change things. There isn’t much time left especially if Campbell is planning to sign during the early period next Wednesday, but a big name with a big plan for one of the nation’s top defensive linemen could be good news. In the end, though, it might be the best news for Tennessee.
4. Samari Matthews
North Carolina has a real chance with Matthews and here’s why: He’s one of the best cornerbacks in the 2026 class but has shown only serious interest in regional schools. With a new coaching staff in place – and a head coach who isn’t in his 70s – that could spark the Cornelius (N.C.) Hough standout to take an even closer look at the Tar Heels.
South Carolina has made a massive impression so far on Matthews and the Gamecocks could have an edge. Clemson, NC State and others are involved, but this could be a real chance to reset the recruitment and start moving ahead of others that have had younger coaches.
5. Kendre Harrison
Oregon is believed to be the frontrunner in Harrison’s recruitment and a commitment could be coming soon but even if that happens, North Carolina’s new coach should prioritize him.
The Reidsville, N.C., 2026 high four-star tight end is just an hour from campus, he would be a massive focal point in the Tar Heels’ offense and he could stay close to home and dominate in the ACC. The Ducks will always be tough to beat in recruiting and in NIL but Harrison should be a main priority once the 2025 class settles out.
Rarely does a 6-foot-6, 249-pound tight end, who’s more of a massive outside receiver, pop up in North Carolina’s backyard. The new Tar Heels’ staff cannot miss this opportunity.
