North Carolina may be on the verge of landing one of the biggest recruiting wins of the 2026 cycle, and Bill Belichick’s influence in Chapel Hill appears to be paying off early.
Miami (Fla.) Norland cornerback Kenton Dopson is reportedly eyeing UNC, according to On3. The nation’s third-ranked cornerback and No. 11 overall prospect according to Rivals, has been verbally committed to Miami since March.
But momentum is shifting in the Tar Heels favor. Sources are saying North Carolina has emerged as the program to beat for the 6-foot-1, 185-pound blue-chip defensive back. The Tar Heels have already received a Rivals prediction in their favor, which points towards a potential flip that would be a huge win for Belichick and his staff.
Dopson is a prospect who could accelerate his path to the next level. A reclassification into the 2026 class is very much in play here. North Carolina’s staff has kept close tabs on that possibility. But if it happens, Dopson will join a stacked class next year.
Belichick and his staff are already off to a strong start in the 2026 cycle. The Tar Heels currently have the No. 18 class nationally, according to rivals. They’ve also secured two early pledges in 2027, adding to the program’s focus on building depth.
Dopson brings the profile of a modern boundary cornerback. His frame pairs well with track-tested speed, and his sophomore season production — 16 tackles, three interceptions, 16 pass breakups, and a sack. He thrives in man coverage and has a knack for punishing quarterbacks who test him. While consistency in run support remains an area to refine, Dopson’s upside as a potential shutdown corner is evident.
For Belichick and North Carolina, closing on Dopson would be a statement on the the recruiting trail.
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