The North Carolina Tar Heels solidified their strong, 2025 basketball recruiting class with a commitment from Top-10, 5-star power forward Caleb Wilson. With Wilson, Isaiah Denis and Derek Dixon now officially in Chapel Hill, Hubert Davis is turning his attention into what he hopes is a strong, 2026 recruiting class for UNC. On Friday evening, North Carolina lost out on one of its 5-star targets, as Tajh Ariza committed to Dana Altman’s Oregon Ducks.
Ariza is the second Tar Heels target to give Dana Altman a commitment in the class of 2026, joining Reidsville’s Kendre Harrison.
Ariza, whom 247Sports ranks 14th overall in the 2026 recruiting class, previously canceled his visit to the Tar Heels. ESPN also revealed that Ariza’s choice came down to Oregon and USC.
If you recognize Ariza’s name, he’s the son of longtime NBA veteran Trevor Ariza, who helped the Los Angeles Lakers win the 2009 NBA Finals. The younger Ariza plays his high school basketball at St. John Bosco, which won a California state championship in 2024.
Even with Ariza’s commitment, UNC still has a strong recruiting class. North Carolina is making small forward an emphasis, with five of its offers to wings: Qayden Samuels, Anthony Thompson, Cameron Holmes, Bryson Howard and Maximo Adams. Power forward Miikka Muurinen, point guard Deron Rippey Jr., shooting guard Caleb Holt and combo guard Dylan Mingo round out the Tar Heels’ current offers.
If UNC plays well during its impending season, expect recruits to give Chapel Hill further looks. North Carolina reloaded its roster in the offseason – and the hope is that translates to on-court success.
