UNC Football Among Finalists for Four-Star Florida Safety

Ayden Pouncey is considering the UNC football program and nine others.
UNC football head coach Bill Belichick
UNC football head coach Bill Belichick / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Winter Park High School (Fla.) junior Ayden Pouncey recently revealed 10 finalists in his recruitment. UNC football head coach Bill Belichick and his crew made the cut, along with Michigan, Notre Dame, LSU, UCF, Georgia, Syracuse, Miami, Florida State, and perceived frontrunner Florida.

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Pouncey, a 6-foot-2, 160-pound four-star safety, is the younger brother of two former Gators in Ethan and Jordan Pouncey. Plus, his most recent recruiting visit was to Florida, and he's gone as far as to refer to the Gainesville campus as his "second home."

Nevertheless, UNC football shouldn't be counted out of any race. After all, the Tar Heels have built serious momentum on the recruiting trail ever since Belichick, a six-time Super Bowl champion as head coach of the New England Patriots, assumed the reins in Chapel Hill back in early December.

Ayden Pouncey ranks No. 138 overall, No. 11 among safeties, and No. 20 in Florida on the 247Sports 2026 Composite.

He plans to take official visits this summer and has eyes on a commitment date sometime before his senior season gets underway in the fall.

Meanwhile, UNC boasts four 2026 pledges. Three of those pickups have come within the past two weeks alone.

ALSO READ: Explosive Running Back Joins 2025 UNC Recruiting Haul

Stay tuned to North Carolina 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.