All Tar Heels

UNC Football Recruiting: Top-Shelf Defender Reveals Commitment Date

UNC football could be on the verge of landing a four-star defensive lineman from Kentucky.

Matt Giles

UNC football target Austin Alexander
UNC football target Austin Alexander / Carter Skaggs/The Enquirer / USA TODAY
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Cooper High School (Ky.) defensive lineman Austin Alexander, the nephew of former NFL MVP running back Shaun Alexander, is about ready to name his college choice. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound four-star has set a date and invited the public to his school's auditorium to hear his announcement.

RELATED: Tar Heel Staff Reels in Another Promising 2025 Pledge

Alexander, an all-state selection who now ranks No. 333 overall, No. 37 among defensive lineman, and No. 2 in Kentucky on the 247Sports 2025 Composite, recently posted on social media that he'll reveal the winner in his recruitment at 3:30 p.m. ET Friday.

His post features his six finalists: UNC, Kentucky, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Stanford. Thus far, no Crystal Ball predictions have appeared in the Austin Alexander sweepstakes. That said, the "warm" tags that 247Sports has placed next to UNC and Wisconsin suggest the Tar Heels and Badgers are the perceived frontrunners.

It's worth noting that Alexander, a menace to offensive lineman in racking up 19 sacks as a junior, also tallied 1,139 receiving yards as a tight end last season. He's been on the Tar Heels' wishlist since receiving an offer from Mack Brown and his staff in late August.

Currently, the 2025 UNC football recruiting haul consists of seven verbal commits — none yet on the defensive line — and ranks No. 19 overall in the country. The collection includes two composite four-stars in Gainesville (Ga.) offensive tackle Alex Payne and Kernersville (N.C.) quarterback Bryce Baker.

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI for more UNC football recruiting news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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