All Tar Heels

Top North Carolina Prep Narrows Focus, Includes UNC Football Suitors

UNC basketball and football recruiters continue to have eyes on dual-sport prospect Kendre Harrison.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball and football mascot Rameses
UNC basketball and football mascot Rameses / Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
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Although Kendre Harrison is more easily recognized in a football jersey, ESPN still ranks the backboard-shattering Reidsville High School (N.C.) sensation No. 22 among his 2026 peers on the hoops scene. And while his frequent visits to Chapel Hill have mostly been as a gridiron target for UNC football head coach Mack Brown and his staff, one would suspect Hubert Davis and his cohorts would be receptive to the idea of the 6-foot-7, 245-pound phenom moonlighting as a power forward.

Either way, the Tar Heels remain very much alive in the sophomore's recruitment.

Harrison, No. 6 overall and No. 1 among tight ends on the 247Sports 2026 Composite, recently informed On3's Hayes Fawcett that he has narrowed his focus to 15 schools. UNC survived the cut. But so did SEC powers galore and others in Georgia, Oregon, Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Florida State, Tennessee, Southern Cal, Notre Dame, Florida, Penn State, and Ole Miss.

It's worth noting that UNC rival NC State has also been in pursuit of Harrison's services yet doesn't appear on his list. That said, he didn't outright claim that the 15 schools he's now focusing on are the only ones still in contention.

Brown and his crew have handed out dozens of offers on the 2026 trail but have yet to reel in a pledge. Meanwhile, Davis and his bunch have yet to officially target any 2026 prospects.

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI.com for more UNC basketball and 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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