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Elite Quarterback Names UNC Football in Final Five

The surging UNC football recruiting team remains in the mix for coveted prep Landon Duckworth.
Matt Giles|
UNC football recruiting target Landon Duckworth
UNC football recruiting target Landon Duckworth | Gary Cosby Jr. / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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North Carolina Tar Heels

Jackson High School (Ala.) four-star quarterback Landon Duckworth has trimmed his long list of suitors to five, On3's Hayes Fawcett reported this week. And the UNC football program survived the cut, along with Auburn, Florida State, Ole Miss, and South Carolina.

RELATED: New UNC Head Coach Knocking on Top 10's Door in 2026 Cycle

A "dynamic dual-threat signal caller" in the eyes of 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins, the 6-foot-3, 200-pound Duckworth checks in at No. 55 overall, No. 6 among quarterbacks, and No. 5 in Alabama on the 247Sports 2026 Composite.

As a junior last season, Landon Duckworth powered his school's 14-1 overall record and Alabama 4A title by completing 162 of his 243 passes for 3,439 yards and 39 touchdowns while throwing only 10 interceptions. Plus, he racked up 648 rushing yards and 12 more scores on only 62 carries, an average of 10.5 yards per attempt with his legs.

The 2026 UNC football class currently contains 14 verbal commits, including one top-200 prospect in North Duplin High School (N.C.) four-star defensive lineman Trashawn Ruffin. First-year Tar Heel head coach Bill Belichick and his crew now stack up at No. 11 in the cycle, according to 247Sports.

UNC's haul still lacks a quarterback.

Duckworth received an offer from the Tar Heels back in late February.

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.

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