BREAKING: Four-Star Forward Joakim Noah Shocks Recruiting World, Decommits from Chicago State and Recommits to North Carolina Tar Heels in Bold Return to Chapel Hill
CHAPEL HILL, NC — July 18, 2025
In a stunning and unexpected development, Joakim Noah II, the four-star forward and son of NBA veteran and former Florida Gator champion Joakim Noah, has officially decommitted from Chicago State and announced his recommitment to the University of North Carolina, sending shockwaves through the college basketball recruiting scene.
The 6-foot-9 hybrid forward, known for his high motor, elite rebounding, and leadership on both ends of the floor, had originally committed to UNC during his junior year before surprising many by flipping to Chicago State earlier this spring — a move he described at the time as a “chance to build something different.” But just four months later, Noah is returning to the blue blood that first believed in him.
> “It was a tough decision, but I had to follow my heart,” Noah said during an emotional live appearance on The Jump. “Carolina is home. I want to compete at the highest level, play in March, and win championships. I’m coming back to Chapel Hill to do just that.”
Noah’s recommitment marks yet another victory for Hubert Davis and his red-hot Tar Heels staff, who’ve assembled the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation for 2025, headlined by No. 1 overall player E.J. N’Dour and five-star guard Zion Harmon Jr. Davis, who was instrumental in recruiting Joakim Noah II originally, maintained communication with the family even after the Chicago State decision.
> “Joakim’s DNA is Tar Heel tough,” Davis said. “He plays with fire, passion, and purpose. That’s what we’re building here.”
Joakim Noah II is not just a name — he’s a force. Averaging 18.5 points, 12.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.6 blocks per game during his senior year at Sierra Canyon, he was a McDonald’s All-American and one of the most physically imposing two-way players in his class. His game resembles his father’s grit and tenacity, but he adds a face-up jumper and polished footwork in the post.
Insiders say the decommitment from Chicago State came after intense pressure from his inner circle to consider his long-term development and national exposure. The move to UNC now positions him for potential lottery pick status in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Social media exploded within moments of the news. Former Tar Heel stars including Harrison Barnes and Ty Lawson welcomed Noah back publicly.
> “Joakim’s back where he belongs,” tweeted Barnes. “Let’s get to work.”
Fans flooded Franklin Street with “Welcome Back, Noah” signs, and Carolina blue No. 13 jerseys — his father’s old NBA number — are already trending online in preorders.
UNC’s frontcourt, already formidable with N’Dour and sophomore Keshon Black, now becomes perhaps the most feared in the nation with Noah’s return. His energy, vocal leadership, and experience could be the final ingredient in UNC’s title hopes.
> “My dad always told me — the game will tell you where you belong,” Noah said. “The game told me: I belong at Carolina.”
And with that, Joakim Noah II is back — and the Tar Heels just got even more dangerous.
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