BREAKING: UNC Lands Nation’s Top Big Man – Five-Star Freshman Forward Commits to Tar Heels Over Alabama, Ohio State, and Kentucky
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — In a monumental recruiting victory that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball landscape, the University of North Carolina Tar Heels have officially landed the commitment of the No. 1 big man in the country: five-star phenom Elijah “E.J.” Randle. The 6’11”, 235-pound forward out of Oak Hill Academy stunned analysts on Thursday by choosing UNC over powerhouse programs Alabama, Ohio State, and Kentucky.
Randle, known for his freakish athleticism, high basketball IQ, and defensive dominance, made the announcement on a nationally televised broadcast, unzipping a neutral jacket to reveal the iconic Carolina blue. “This just felt like home,” Randle said, smiling. “Coach Davis and the staff have believed in me from day one. I want to win, and I want to do it wearing this jersey.”
Ranked No. 3 overall in the 2025 recruiting class by 247Sports and No. 1 among true power forwards, Randle’s commitment instantly catapults the Tar Heels’ incoming class into the top two nationally. His game has drawn comparisons to former UNC star Antawn Jamison, with flashes of a young Chris Bosh — a versatile inside-out presence with elite rebounding instincts and next-level shot-blocking ability.
Sources close to the program say Randle will likely make an immediate impact as a freshman starter. He’s expected to anchor the frontcourt alongside rising sophomore standout Caleb Wilson, forming what many analysts are calling the “best frontcourt tandem in the nation.”
Head Coach Hubert Davis expressed excitement and gratitude in a post-announcement press conference. “E.J. embodies everything we stand for at Carolina — excellence, humility, hard work. He’s not just a special player — he’s a special person. The ceiling just got a lot higher.”
UNC fans erupted on social media, with hashtags like #RandleToChapelHill and #TarHeelTakeover trending nationwide. The Dean Smith Center is already buzzing with anticipation for the 2025-26 season, which now carries Final Four expectations.
As for Randle, his message was clear: “I came here to win a national championship. Period.”
Tar Heel Nation just got a whole lot stronger.
