Charlotte football is officially on the board with the Class of 2027.
The 49ers and head coach Tim Albin picked up the program’s first two commitments for 2027 after an official visit weekend. Here are the first known members of Charlotte’s 2027 recruiting class:
- Athlete Nicholas “Dewda” Rankin from Charlotte
- Wide receiver London Muñoz from Winder, GA
Nicholas “Dewda” Rankin, ATH, Palisades HS (Charlotte)
Hometown product Nick Rankin was the first commitment announcement to appear after the key visit weekend. He is listed at 6-0, 180 pounds and has played multiple roles for Palisades, seeing time at defensive back, wide receiver, kick returner and punt returner.
His junior season production reflected that versatility.
According to information posted on his recruiting profiles, Rankin has been a varsity contributor and starter since his freshman season and describes himself as a true athlete capable of impacting the game in multiple phases.
The Palisades standout has expressed a desire to play both offense and defense at the collegiate level. During the 2025 season, he showcased that versatility by contributing as a receiver, runner, defensive back and return specialist.
Rankin finished the year with eight total touchdowns, 360 yards from scrimmage, 76 tackles and three interceptions while earning recognition as one of the state’s top all-around performers. He is a two-time all-conference selection and has started on the varsity level for three seasons.
Rankin’s recruiting stock has risen steadily throughout the spring. He reported offers from 15 Division I programs, including Charlotte, East Carolina, Liberty, Georgia Southern, Troy, Old Dominion, Delaware, Miami (Ohio), Gardner-Webb, Campbell, East Tennessee State, Maine, Charleston Southern, North Carolina Central and West Georgia.
London Muñoz, WR, Winder-Barrow HS (Winder, GA)
Charlotte’s second known commitment also is a player with a lengthy varsity resume.
Muñoz, a 6-foot-3 wide receiver from Winder-Barrow High in Georgia, announced his commitment to the 49ers after receiving interest from a wide range of FBS and FCS programs. His reported offer list includes Army, Air Force, Georgia State, Liberty, Jacksonville State, UAB, Miami (Ohio), Georgia Southern and several others.
The Georgia prospect has been a varsity contributor since his freshman season and enters his senior year with 95 career receptions for 1,342 yards and 16 touchdowns. He added 51 catches for 655 yards and eight scores during 2025 while also contributing as a kick returner.
Muñoz’s combination of size, production and experience made him one of the more intriguing receiving prospects available during Charlotte’s recruiting weekend. With nearly 1,800 career all-purpose yards already on his résumé, he gives the 49ers an early commitment from a player who has consistently produced against stout competition.
What does it mean?
Charlotte’s first two known commitments give an early glimpse into the type of players Albin and the 49ers are targeting in the 2027 class. Rankin brings versatility and playmaking ability on both sides of the ball, while Muñoz offers size, production and a growing list of FBS offers at wide receiver.
Both prospects have attracted significant Division I interest and have been varsity contributors since the early stages of their high school careers.
Follow North Carolina football recruiting
NC Football News is tracking recruiting from both sides of the state’s football pipeline:
- North Carolina high school commitments: See where in-state high school players have committed.
- North Carolina college commitment tracker: See which players are joining North Carolina’s FBS and FCS programs.
