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North Carolina, Bill Belichick Receive Disappointing Recruiting News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.C. Shelton | Last updated May 31, 2025 4:08 PM ET

First-year North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick is attempting to adjust to college football recruiting after a historic NFL career.

It's, perhaps, the biggest challenge for Belichick in his first ever coaching role in the collegiate ranks.

The 2026 class will be Belichick's first full recruiting cycle after taking over for College Football Hall of Famer Mack Brown in January. UNC finished 38th nationally with 30 signees in Brown's final class of 2025.

Belichick and general manager Michael Lombardi have made an early splash in the 2026 cycle, holding 15 commits and the nation's No. 16 class.

However, the recruiting trail can be a chaotic space, and the Tar Heels received some disappointing news over the weekend.

Four-star wide receiver O'Mari Johnson, who committed to UNC on April 6, has reportedly backed off his pledge and re-opened his recruitment, according to On3's Chad Simmons.

Johnson (6-foot, 183 pounds) plays for Jackson Academy in Wesson, Mississippi. He ranks as the No. 26 wide receiver and the No. 14 player in the state (Rivals).

Johnson has amassed 129 catches for over 2,000 yards with 28 receiving touchdowns dating back to his eighth grade year. The talented athlete also has 896 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns at tailback, per MaxPreps.

The Tar Heels initially earned Johnson's commitment after he took an official visit to Chapel Hill on April 4. The silver lining for Belichick and Co. is UNC is expected to remain a top contender, according to the report.

Johnson has official visits scheduled to Tulane (June 12) and Mississippi State (June 20).

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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