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UNC Football Loses Battle for Dual-Sport Standout Nasir Rankin

The versatile recruit chose a versatile role at a Big Ten school over playing for the UNC football program.
Matt Giles|
UNC football head coach Bill Belichick and former UNC basketball head coach Roy Williams
UNC football head coach Bill Belichick and former UNC basketball head coach Roy Williams | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

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Bill Belichick & Co.'s 2026 UNC football recruiting haul already contains 15 pledges, all three-star or better, and ranks No. 14 in the country. In other words, the Tar Heels have won their fair share of races in the cycle, not to mention on the 2025 trail and in the transfer portal.

ALSO READ: UNC's Hubert Davis Gets Big Recruiting Opportunity in Colorado

But this week, UNC fell short in one high-profile 2026 recruitment, as Morgan Park High School (Ill.) dual-sport sensation Nasir Rankin announced his decision to suit up for home-state suitor Illinois the season after next.

According to a report from 247Sports basketball recruiting analyst Dushawn London, Rankin committed to the Fighting Illini over UNC, Duke, Nebraska, and Southern Cal, and the 5-foot-11 speedster plans to play both football and basketball for Illinois.

Rankin, checking in at No. 192 overall and No. 11 among athletes on the 247Sports 2026 Football Composite, is a gifted wide receiver yet hopes to continue drawing snaps on both sides of the ball in college.

"Two-sport star who has dominated Chicago Public Schools competition on the gridiron and hardwood since his freshman campaign," 247Sports' Hudson Standish recently wrote about Nasir Rankin, who has racked up over two dozen football offers while also receiving a handful of the basketball variety.

Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more UNC football and basketball 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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