Chapel Hill might be the new Foxborough because Bill Belichick isn’t slowing down after leaving the Patriots.
The legendary coach is quietly building something special at North Carolina, landing major recruits that other programs desperately want. On Thursday, Belichick secured his biggest commitment yet when four-star wide receiver Keeyun Chapman chose the Tar Heels over 17 other programs.
This recruitment signals a new era for UNC football.
Four-Star Receiver Keeyun Chapman Chooses North Carolina Over Florida State
Keeyun Chapman is a 6’4″, 195-pound wide receiver out of Jackson, Alabama. Keeyun joins the Belichick squad after turning down a flurry of offers, including one from ACC powerhouse Florida State.
Chapman is a four-star playmaker with state titles, explosive tape, and significant upside. But landing him wasn’t easy. FSU was all in for him. They hosted an official visit on June 6 and made a strong late push.
View this post on Instagram
Florida State had five blue-chip receivers already committed to their 2026 class. They still wanted Chapman on the roster. But the Tar Heels had something no one else could offer: a family connection that proved impossible to beat.
Family Ties Seal the Deal for Bill Belichick and UNC
Keeyun Chapman’s twin brother, Keegan Chapman, committed to UNC a week earlier. The brothers had always talked about playing college football together, and North Carolina made that dream possible. Adding to the pull, their Jackson High School teammate Jamarrion Gordon also committed to the Tar Heels on Wednesday.
Chapman officially made the decision on Thursday afternoon, picking the Tar Heels over 17 other programs, including USC, South Carolina, Colorado, Arkansas, and Georgia Tech. Despite all the offers flooding in throughout his junior season, he took only two official visits. One to FSU and one to UNC.
The choice became clear when he saw the opportunity to continue his football journey alongside his brother and high school teammate. For Belichick, landing all three Jackson players shows his ability to identify and recruit talent clusters from successful high school programs.
Chapman Brings Elite Speed and Versatility to Chapel Hill
The Jackson High star comes to UNC with impressive credentials. He helped lead his team to a 14-1 record last season, hauling in 51 passes for 1,322 yards and 17 touchdowns. That’s 25.9 yards per catch, showing his ability to turn short passes into explosive plays.
Chapman has reliable hands and breakaway speed that defensive coordinators fear. He excels in the red zone, using his 6’4″ frame to win contested catches. His route running continues to improve, and he shows natural instincts for finding soft spots in zone coverage.
Beyond football, Chapman starred in multiple sports at Jackson High. He was part of back-to-back state championship basketball teams, showcasing the athleticism that translates to the gridiron. On the track, Chapman clocked sub-11-second 100-meter dash times, confirming the speed that shows up on film.
His vertical leap stands out even among elite athletes. Chapman combines that jumping ability with strong hands and body control, making him a dangerous target on fade routes and jump balls. He’s physically developed for a high school player and projects as someone who can contribute early at the college level.
Belichick can use these skills immediately. The coach built his NFL dynasty by maximizing versatile players, and Chapman fits that mold perfectly. With Chapman on the roster, UNC now sits at No. 19 in the 2026 recruiting rankings per 247Sports Composite.
The Chapman brothers are officially Tar Heels. Chapman, ranked No. 186 nationally and No. 26 among wide receivers by On3, becomes the highest-rated player in Belichick’s inaugural recruiting class. His commitment represents a major victory for the new coaching staff and signals that elite players believe in what’s being built in Chapel Hill.