North Carolina Cracks Top 10 for Highly Ranked 2027 Defensive Lineman
As North Carolina and head coach Bill Belichick work to wrap up their strong 2026 recruiting class, the staff is already turning its attention toward the 2027 cycle. Their early efforts are paying off, as one of the nation’s top junior defensive linemen has placed UNC among his ten favorite schools.
Four-Star 2027 DL Puts Tar Heels in His Top Ten
On Dec. 10, Rivals reporter Greg Biggins shared that Jon Loane — a four-star defensive lineman from Tustin High School in Tustin, California — listed North Carolina in his top ten. The Tar Heels join Arizona State, Miami, Notre Dame, Oregon, Texas A&M, UCLA, USC, Utah, and Washington on his list.
UNC has been recruiting Loane for nearly a year, offering him in January and hosting him for an unofficial visit this past summer. After consistent communication throughout the fall, their efforts have landed them in his top group.
Loane told Biggins that the list reflects his favorites for now but is not final.
“I’m not ruling out other programs that might offer later, but I really like these 10 right now,” he said.
Loane Praises Visit to Chapel Hill
When speaking specifically about North Carolina, Loane noted that he enjoyed his trip to campus and appreciated the chance to meet Belichick. He also mentioned a personal connection: his defensive coordinator at Tustin, Chris Hawkins, is the brother of UNC cornerbacks coach Armond Hawkins.
“North Carolina was a sick visit, and meeting Coach Bill [Belichick] was great,” Loane told Biggins. “He’s super smart, and Coach Hawk [Chris Hawkins]’s brother is at UNC, too. He treated us well and made the visit really enjoyable.”
Loane plans to take official visits to several of the programs in his top ten during the spring and summer, though he didn’t specify whether UNC will be one of them.
North Carolina’s Chances Moving Forward
Landing Loane would be a major win for the Tar Heels. Rivals ranks him No. 179 overall in the 2027 class, the No. 23 defensive lineman nationally, and the No. 18 player in California.
A decision isn’t expected anytime soon, which gives North Carolina more time to strengthen its position. If Belichick and his staff can convince Loane to come back to Chapel Hill for an official visit, their odds of signing him should increase significantly.
No Comment! Be the first one.