Context:

Bill Belichick, in his early tenure as the head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, has faced challenges with recruiting as Braylon Edwards, a sought-after three-star cornerback, chose SMU over North Carolina. Despite being in Edwards' top five choices, Belichick's program couldn't secure his commitment, marking a rare setback for the coach who has otherwise had a successful start. UNC's recruiting class for 2026 is ranked 13th by 247Sports, with two four-star and ten three-star recruits already committed. This decision by Edwards underscores the competitive nature of college recruiting, highlighting that even successful coaches like Belichick will face rejections. Nevertheless, Belichick's efforts in assembling a strong team continue to show promise for the future of the Tar Heels' football program.

Dive Deeper:

• Bill Belichick, now coaching at UNC, has encountered difficulties in the recruiting process as Braylon Edwards, a promising cornerback, opted for SMU despite considering North Carolina among his top choices.

• Edwards' decision to join SMU over other schools like Auburn and UNC represents a significant loss for Belichick, who is in the initial stages of building his roster.

• The North Carolina Tar Heels, under Belichick's leadership, have achieved the 13th-ranked recruiting class for 2026, with commitments from two four-star and ten three-star recruits.

• Belichick's early successes in recruiting are notable, but Edwards' commitment to SMU illustrates the challenges and unpredictability inherent in college football recruiting.

• While missing out on Edwards is a setback, Belichick remains focused on strengthening his team, leveraging his experience and reputation to attract other top talents to UNC.

• Bill Belichick has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons as of late.

• His personal life and relationship with Jordon Hudson has been under the microscope and now there's more bad news for the North Carolina coach on the recruiting trail.

• Braylon Edwards, a three-star cornerback from Duncanville, Texas, committed to SMU over North Carolina.

• UNC and Belichick were in the prospect's top five last week, but he chose to stay south rather than join the six-time Super Bowl champion. 

• BREAKING: Class of 2026 CB Braylon Edwards has Committed to SMU, he tells me for @on3recruits
  
  The 6’0 190 CB from Duncanville, TX chose the Mustangs over Auburn and North Carolina
  
  “New chapter soon to come, Pony Up”https://t.co/b70G32gzKU pic.twitter.com/SBLJ93Docd

• — Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 4, 2025 Edwards was a promising player on the recruiting trail and pursued by many top schools.

• It's a tough miss for Belichick and company, who have had success in his first offseason at the helm for the Tar Heels. 

• According to 247Sports, UNC has the 13th ranked recruiting class for 2026. Two four-stars and 10 three-stars have joined Belichick so far. 

• But Edwards was one of the first big players to say no to the legendary coach. It will happen again, even Belichick will miss out on some targets, but the coach still has had plenty of success in his new venture.

• MORE: Bill Belichick's kids just told everyone what they really think about girlfriend Jordon Hudson