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UNC Football Recruiting Efforts Yield Another 2026 Commit

Among the UNC football targets in attendance for the Tar Heel basketball rivalry bout versus Duke was eventual pledge David Jackson III.
Matt Giles|
UNC football head coach Bill Belichick
UNC football head coach Bill Belichick | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

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North Carolina Tar Heels

Our Lady of Good Counsel High School (Md.) junior defensive lineman David Jackson III toured the UNC football program this weekend. His stay included a seat in the Dean E. Smith Center for the UNC basketball team's 82-69 home loss to archrival Duke on Saturday night.

ALSO READ: UNC Head Coach Making Moves for Former 2026 Tar Heel Prize

And as of Sunday morning, the 6-foot-2, 300-pound three-star is committed to Bill Belichick and the Tar Heels.

Jackson currently checks in at No. 87 among defensive linemen in the 2026 cycle, according to 247Sports, and No. 19 in Maryland. He also held offers from Toledo, Marshall, Virginia Tech, Syracuse, Elon, Akron, Delaware, Liberty, Tulane, Buffalo, South Florida, and Miami.

He became the eighth UNC football recruiting prize on the 2026 trail. And David Jackson III, now slated to return to Chapel Hill for an official visit the third weekend of June, is the collection's first addition on the defensive line.

As things stand, Belichick & Co.'s 2026 Tar Heel haul stacks up at No. 25 overall in the country, per 247Sports, and No. 7 in the ACC.

ALSO READ: Tar Heel Newcomer Perfects Trick Kick in UNC Practice Facility

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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