Tar Heels Land Commitment from Four-Star WR Carnell Warren
The North Carolina Tar Heels secured another marquee addition to their 2026 recruiting class on Wednesday, landing a verbal commitment from four-star wide receiver Carnell Warren of Bluffton, South Carolina.
Warren, a former Virginia Tech pledge, spent the past month weighing his options amid offers from several Power Four programs. In the end, he chose to play for legendary head coach Bill Belichick and the Tar Heels, officially shutting down his recruitment.
“There’s no second-guessing,” Warren told Rivals. “I’m committed to UNC. The staff is one of the best of the best. It’s the right place for me, on and off the field. They’ll get me ready for the NFL, and it’s where I can transform my future over the next four years.”
Ranked No. 46 nationally among wide receivers by Rivals and the No. 6 overall player in South Carolina, Warren becomes the second blue-chip receiver to commit to North Carolina in the past week. Fellow four-star Keeyun Chapman of Jackson, Alabama, also chose Chapel Hill, giving the Tar Heels a formidable duo of pass-catching talent.
Warren admitted he knew little about Chapel Hill prior to his official visit, but the trip proved to be a turning point.
“All glory to God. My recruitment is shut down! Chapel Hill, let’s go,” Warren posted on X.
Warren’s commitment further underscores the recruiting momentum building in Belichick’s first year at the helm. The Hall of Fame coach and his staff are assembling what could become a top-20 recruiting class.
Andrew Ivins, director of scouting at 247Sports, praised Warren’s potential, citing both his physical tools and versatility.
“Hulking wide receiver with plus athleticism who can make contested catches and play through contact,” Ivins said. “He followed up a breakout sophomore year with a strong junior campaign, recording 14 touchdowns in 11 games—including one highlight-reel score featured on NFL Network.”
Ivins also noted Warren’s ability to do more than just dominate in red zone situations.
“He’s not just a jump-ball guy,” Ivins added. “He’s shown he can make sharp lateral cuts, gain yards after the catch, and create separation on quick routes. If he continues to develop, Warren could be a true perimeter threat on Saturdays.”
With Warren now in the fold, the Tar Heels continue to make noise on the recruiting trail, proving that Chapel Hill is fast becoming a top destination for elite talent under Belichick’s leadership.
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