BREAKING: UNC Among Finalists for Class of 2026 Top‑10 Wing Anthony Thompson
North Carolina’s basketball program is firmly in the mix for one of the premier prospects in the Class of 2026. Five-star small forward Anthony Thompson, a top‑10 national recruit, has officially narrowed his list of finalist schools to just seven—and UNC is the only ACC program on the list .
🏀 About the Recruit
Position & Profile: Thompson is a 6‑foot‑8 wing who boasts elite scoring ability with a strong pull-up left‑handed jumper, positional versatility, and high basketball IQ—traits that fit seamlessly into UNC’s offensive system .
Finalist Schools: His recruitment has been narrowed to Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, Purdue, Ohio State, Texas, and North Carolina .
🔶 Why UNC Matters
UNC offered Thompson early in the cycle—on January 5—demonstrating the program’s serious interest in adding him to their 2026 class . He remains the only ACC prospect still under consideration, highlighting UNC’s strong positioning in a regionally and nationally competitive process.
Thompson has long been on UNC’s radar, receiving offers and attention from programs across major conferences. Yet Chapel Hill has stayed relevant in the final rounds, suggesting a connection and vision alignment with the coaching staff’s pitch .
🔮 What’s Next
The next step likely includes official visits—particularly to UNC in the fall—to give Thompson a full look at Chapel Hill’s culture, coaching, and resources. With the Tar Heel program entering a new chapter under Hubert Davis and soon with Bill Belichick at the helm of football, recruiting momentum is building strongly. A potential Hoops–Football synergy is expected to resonate with high-caliber recruits .
—
**UNC remains in elite company—but if Thompson lands on Rocky Top, it would be a defining victory and a major boost for what could be one of the most anticipated recruiting classes in recent UNC basketball history.**
