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Top seven uncommitted 2026 North Carolina high school football prospects

Where will NC’s top juniors land? How many – if any – will pick in-state programs?

Recruiting graphics featuring 2026 NC high school prospects Ekene Ogboko, Keshawn Stancil, PJ Dean and Samari Matthews.
Media outlets like On3 and 247Sports have been buzzing about top 2026 North Carolina high school football prospects like Ekene Ogboko, Keshawn Stancil, Samari Matthews and Pierre Dean. Recruiting graphics courtesy Ogboko, Stancil, Dean and Matthews on X.

It’s official visit and commitment season for Class of 2026 football prospects, and many of North Carolina’s top-ranked players have already pledged to major college programs — many of them out of state.

But several elite names remain uncommitted.

Some are deep into their parade of trips to college campuses and nearing a decision. Others are playing it close to the vest. Either way, their recruiting battles are heating up this summer.

Here’s a closer look at the top seven uncommitted players from NC Football News’ 2026 composite player rankings, plus five more prospects to keep on your radar.

Top Seven Uncommitted 2026 Prospects from North Carolina

#4. Ekene Ogboko | OL | South Garner HS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐

6-6, 280 | Composite Rank: 4.75

Ogboko is a force on both sides of the ball — a left tackle with rare mobility and a defensive lineman with 60 tackles, 26 TFLs and 5 sacks last season.

  • Offers: ~34 D1 schools
  • Visits: Clemson, Florida, Georgia (completed); Notre Dame on June 20
  • Trending: Georgia (Crystal Ball & On3 predictions)
  • Scouting: “Moves and smashes at his size,” per 247Sports’ Andrew Ivins
  • Fast Fact: His brother Nnamdi plays for Georgia

#5. Samari Matthews | CB | Hough HS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐

6-0, 180 | Composite Rank: 5.25

Nicknamed “Smoke,” Matthews is a smooth cover corner with elite agility and more than 30 Power Five offers.

  • Offers: Clemson, Texas, South Carolina, Florida (Top 4)
  • Visits: Miami, FSU, Texas (this weekend), South Carolina (June 20)
  • Trending: Clemson or Texas are favorites; FSU impressed him during OV
  • Scouting: Projects as a “multi-year starter and Day 2 draft pick” – 247Sports
  • Fast Fact: Commitment date set for Aug. 10

#7. Pierre “PJ” Dean | OL | West Forsyth HS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐

6-5, 305 | Composite Rank: 7.00

Dean brings a rare blend of power and agility. A two-way lineman who dominates with explosiveness.

  • Offers: 25+ including Georgia, Ohio State, South Carolina
  • Visits: South Carolina, Georgia, Ohio State (this weekend)
  • Trending: Top 3 includes Georgia, Ohio State, South Carolina; On3 favors Ohio State
  • Scouting: Won DL MVP at an Under Armour camp this spring though he projects to play on the O-line in college
  • Fast Fact: His older brother, Jared Wilson, played center at Georgia

#11. Keshawn Stancil | DL | Clayton HS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐

6-3, 260 | Composite Rank: 11.50

NC State is in the mix for Stancil, a disruptive edge rusher with three dozen offers.

  • Offers: 30+
  • Visits: Georgia, Miami, Penn State (completed); Clemson (June 13), NC State (June 20)
  • Trending: NC State is surging — Stancil has the Packs’ 2024 offer pinned to the top of his social feed
  • Scouting: 22 TFLs, 9 sacks as a junior
  • Fast Fact: Standout discus and shot put athlete in addition to football

#13. Noah Clark | DL | Jordan HS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐

6-3, 330 | Composite Rank: 12.75

A massive, explosive lineman with early playing potential and NFL measurables.

  • Offers: 40+ including South Carolina, Notre Dame, NC State
  • Visits: Virginia, South Carolina, Notre Dame (completed); VT and NC State up next
  • Trending: Will announce July 2; NC State has longstanding relationship
  • Scouting: “NFL upside” with power and toughness – 247Sports
  • Fast Fact: Coaches praise his character and work ethic

#17. Elijah Littlejohn | Edge | West Charlotte HS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐

6-2, 205 | Composite Rank: 17.50

Versatile defender who could line up at linebacker or edge in college.

  • Offers: 30+
  • Visits: Penn State, Georgia Tech, NC State (June 20)
  • Trending: Penn State is surging after June 6 visit
  • Scouting: Agile with closing burst; can play multiple roles
  • Fun Fact: Transferring back to West Charlotte, his original school, for senior year. Played at West Meck in 2024.

#19. Ben Boulware | DL | Oak Grove HS | ⭐⭐⭐

6-5, 305 | Composite Rank: 21.00

A rising stock with great size and intriguing upside.

  • Offers: 18, including UNC, ECU, Charlotte, App State in-state
  • Visits: Will visit Michigan this weekend; previously visited USC and Michigan unofficially
  • Trending: USC, Georgia, Michigan all showing strong interest
  • Scouting: Tough to move inside; controls space in the trenches
  • Fun Fact: Selected for Military Appreciation Bowl Showcase in Texas

Five More Names to Watch

  • #20. Keysaun Eleazer | Edge | Southeast Raleigh – 6-5, 190
    Visiting FSU (June 17) and Virginia Tech (June 20); recently visited Stanford, Georgia Tech, and Tennessee.
  • #22. J.B. Shabazz | OT | East Forsyth – 6-7, 295
    South Carolina leads per 247Sports, but NC State and Ohio State remain in the mix.
  • #23. D’Various Surratt | S | Crest HS – 6-0, 185
    Commitment coming July 1. NC State, UNC and Virginia Tech in the hunt.
  • #25. Damaad Lewis | DL | Myers Park – 6-4, 245
    LSU offer is a head-turner. Transferring to Myers Park for his senior season.
  • #26. Nick Reddish | S | Independence HS – 6-0, 185
    July 11 commitment date set. Notre Dame is a strong favorite.

More Football Recruiting Headlines

🏈 See who is headed to play college football for North Carolina college in 2026 — View our full NC College Football Commit Tracker

🏈 Check out where North Carolina high school prospects have committed to play college football in 2026 — View our NC High School Commit Tracker

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