UNC Football Advances to Next Round for Top-Four Wide Receiver

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As of Saturday night, first-year UNC football head coach Bill Belichick and his staff are among the top 12 for Miami Northwestern High School (Fla.) junior wide receiver Calvin Russell. He has racked up over 50 offers in his recruitment.
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The 6-foot-5, 195-pound Russell, a consensus four-star prospect, is also still considering Michigan, Miami, Syracuse, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Oregon, LSU, Southern Cal, Alabama, and Florida State.
NEWS: Elite 2026 WR Calvin Russell III is down to 1️⃣2️⃣ Schools, he tells me for @on3recruits
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) March 2, 2025
The 6’5 195 WR from Opa Locka, FL is ranked as the No. 4 WR in the ‘26 Class (On3 Industry)
Where Should He Go?👇🏽https://t.co/qsaalpasw5 pic.twitter.com/UEiX023buf
Calvin Russell currently stacks up at No. 33 overall, No. 4 among wide receivers, and No. 3 in Florida on the 247Sports 2026 Composite.
Last season, the towering target helped power Miami Northwestern to a state title while hauling in 39 receptions for 704 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Calvin Russell getting his work in at UA Next here in Miami 🔥 @14gump_
— Billy Tucker (@TheUCReport) March 2, 2025
Has all the tools at 6’6” with impressive mobility. Currently ranks No. 24 in the ESPN Jr. 300 #UANext pic.twitter.com/dQ2GG2xwAz
Meanwhile, the UNC football recruiting team enjoys seven composite three-star verbal pledges on the 2026 trail. They comprise the No. 20-ranked collection in the cycle, according to 247Sports, No. 4 in the ACC.
Thus far, Belichick and his Tar Heels have yet to reel in a 2026 wide receiver.
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Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more UNC football and basketball recruiting news.

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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