UNC Football Staff Loses to Southern Cal for Four-Star DE

First-year UNC football head coach Bill Belichick and his crew didn't enter the Simote Katoanga sweepstakes until late January. So, although they were one of the top contenders for the Santa Margarita Catholic (Calif.) junior, it's no surprise he committed elsewhere.

ALSO READ: Tar Heels Add 'Big U-Hall' to 2026 Recruiting Haul

Katoanga, a 6-foot-5, 250-pound defensive end who doubles as a tight end on the other side of the ball and moonlights as a power forward on the hardwood, formally announced his verbal pledge to the Southern Cal Trojans via the following posted video on Sunday:

I want to thank God for all the blessings he has poured upon me. I want to thank my family and friends for all the support and love you have given me. It has been a long and difficult process, but after prayers and discussions with my family, I’m home. 🏠 @FoundersEdits pic.twitter.com/TjnyntsqYy
— Simote Katoanga (@Motekatoanga) February 23, 2025

The top-shelf four-star prospect, checking in at No. 107 overall, No. 12 among defensive linemen, and No. 13 in California on the 247Sports 2026 Composite, chose the Trojans over the Tar Heels, Clemson Tigers, and Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

BREAKING: Four-Star EDGE Simote Katoanga has Committed to USC, he tells me for @on3recruits

The 6’5 250 EDGE from Oceanside, CA chose the Trojans over Notre Dame, Clemson, & North Carolina

“All glory to God. Proverbs 3: 5-6. Fight On✌🏽”https://t.co/pG3UQas6Np pic.twitter.com/T3QWUFrXMU
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) February 23, 2025

Meanwhile, the 2026 UNC football recruiting class consists of seven three-star verbal pledges. The impressive early collection currently stacks up at No. 19 in the country, according to 247Sports, and No. 4 in the ACC.

ALSO READ: Reclassified Four-Star Pits Tar Heels Against Heavy-Hitters

Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more Tar Heel recruiting updates and other UNC football news.