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UNC Football Lands In-State Quarterback With Untapped Potential

Charlotte native Zaid Lott gets things started for UNC football in the 2026 recruiting arena.

Matt Giles

UNC football head coach Mack Brown
UNC football head coach Mack Brown / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
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Following a pair of recent visits with the UNC football program, Providence Day School (N.C.) quarterback Zaid Lott announced his commitment to the Tar Heels this week. In doing so, the 6-foot-4, 200-pound rising junior became the first 2026 pledge for Mack Brown and his crew.

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Largely due to the fact that he has thus far seen limited action in games for prep powerhouse Providence Day, Lott has neither a ranking nor rating by his name on 247Sports.

However, the dual-threat weapon, who boasts a notably strong arm and should be on tap for a starting gig this season now that former four-star teammate Jadyn Davis is a freshman at Michigan, is a three-star prospect in the eyes of Rivals. There, Lott ranks No. 17 overall in North Carolina and No. 8 among signal callers in the class.

As a sophomore, he completed all but of his 26 pass attempts, tallying 331 yards through the air with neither a touchdown nor interception, and he rushed for two scores. It's a safe bet all of those numbers multiply in the fall.

Lott received his UNC football offer in April. He also held offers from NC State, Florida State, Boston College, and Charlotte.

His commitment alone puts the Tar Heels at No. 30 in the class rankings, per 247Sports.

Mack Brown and his cohorts have already extended over 50 offers to 2026 recruits.

RELATED: UNC Officially Enters Fray for Dual-Sport Standout

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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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