Tar Heels Flip Four-Star Cornerback from Miami
Despite recent turbulence within North Carolina’s football program, head coach Bill Belichick has managed to pull off a major recruiting win. Four-star cornerback Kenton Dopson has flipped his commitment from Miami to UNC.
Dopson, who recently reclassified to the Class of 2026, had not been a longtime target for the Tar Heels, but his recruitment moved quickly once they got involved. Although Miami extended an offer back on October 7, 2024, Belichick’s offer on August 5, 2025, ultimately swayed him — proving it wasn’t too late to make an impact.
Dopson had originally committed to Miami on March 13, 2025. Even after that commitment, he took another unofficial visit to the Hurricanes on August 31. But after visiting Chapel Hill on September 13, just two weeks later, he changed course and decided to join the Tar Heels.
What This Means for UNC
UNC now adds the No. 158 player nationally to its 2026 class. The 6’1″, 185-pound cornerback from Miami was considered a lifelong Hurricanes fan, making the flip all the more notable. According to 247Sports’ Brian Dohn, Dopson cited two major factors in his decision: “how the staff valued me as a priority and the chance to be coached by Coach Belichick.”
Following his announcement, Dopson took to social media to express his appreciation for the Hurricanes:
“First I want to say that I have nothing but love and respect for the coaches, staff, & fans of The U,” Dopson wrote. “However, after plenty thought & long conversations with my father, I’ve decided it’s in my best interest to answer the call at UNC football.”
Dohn also credited UNC’s coaching staff — led by Belichick and general manager Michael Lombardi — with convincing Dopson to reclassify to 2026. Their competitive NIL and revenue-sharing offer reportedly played a key role in sealing the deal, helping UNC beat out in-state powerhouses Miami, Florida, and Florida State.
Dopson is now the 37th commitment in UNC’s 2026 class. While recruiting battles are far from over, this flip signals real momentum for the Tar Heels. Landing a high-level talent like Dopson — especially one who had long been expected to stay home — marks a major win as Belichick and his staff begin laying the groundwork for the program’s future.
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