USA TODAY Network ranks top 50 football prospects in North Carolina

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High school football is popping in North Carolina, with future college stars setting the tone in another competitive postseason as we head into the early signing period for college football.

With college football's early signing period spanning Dec. 4-6, USA TODAY Sports Network reporters in the state have produced a ranking of top prospects.

USA TODAY Sports Network top high football prospects in NC

1 Faizon Brandon — Grimsley (Senior QB)

ESPN: 1
Rivals: 1
247Sports: 1
Height/weight: 6-foot-4, 205 pounds
Offers: Alabama, Boston College, Charlotte, Duke, East Carolina, Florida State, Georgia, Louisville, LSU, Miami (Florida), Michigan, NC State, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Penn State, Syracuse, TCU, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Wisconsin.
Commitment: Tennessee
Numbers and notes: Brandon has completed better than 72% of his passes for 6,374 yards and 79 touchdowns during his career, against only nine interceptions. He also has 1,261 rushing yards and 21 TDs. Ranked as the nation’s top recruit in the 2026 class by 247Sports, Brandon led Grimsley to an NCHSAA 4A state title last fall. He injured his thumb in Week 1 of his senior season, but returned for the Whirlies' 7A playoff run.

2 Rodney Dunham — Myers Park (Senior DE)

ESPN: 3
Rivals: 2
247Sports: 2
Height/weight: 6-4, 220
Offers: Alabama, Auburn, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Duke, East Carolina, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Indiana, James Madison, LSU, Miami (Ohio), Michigan, Missouri, NC State, North Carolina, Northwestern, Ohio State, Old Dominion, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, USF, Virginia, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Wisconsin
Commitment: Notre Dame
Numbers and notes: In his first two seasons at Myers Park, he had 94 tackles (26 for a loss), 12 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He began the 2025 campaign as the nation’s 15th-ranked recruit.

3 Kendre Harrison — Reidsville (Senior TE)

ESPN: 2
Rivals: 3
247Sports: 3
Height/weight: 6-7, 243
Offers: Akron, Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Charlotte, Colorado, East Carolina, Florida, Florida A&M, Florida State, Georgia, Kentucky, Liberty, Louisville, LSU, Miami, Michigan, NC State, Nebraska, North Carolina, NC Central, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Old Dominion, Ole Miss, Penn State, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, UCF, USC, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia
Commitment: Oregon
Numbers and notes: In four varsity seasons, Harrison has 164 receptions for 2,568 yards and 46 touchdowns. More importantly, the Rams have gone 50-6 during the stretch, including the 2023 NCHSAA 2A state title. Also a top recruit in basketball, Harrison has helped Reidsville to 60 consecutive wins and two state titles.

4 Ekene Ogboko — South Garner (Senior OL)

ESPN: 4
Rivals: 4
247Sports: 4
Height/weight: 6-6, 280
Offers: Alabama, Appalachian State, Auburn, Bethune-Cookman, Charlotte, Clemson, Coastal Carolina, Duke, East Carolina, Florida, Florida State, James Madison, Louisville, LSU, Maryland, Miami (Florida), NC State, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, South Carolina, Stanford, Syracuse, Tennessee, Texas A&M, USC, USF, Virginia Tech, West Virginia
Commitment: Georgia
Numbers and notes: Recruited as an offensive tackle, Ogboko has proven effective on the defensive side of the football, with 60 tackles in each of the past two seasons (26 for a loss last year, 27 this year), seven sacks, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries for South Garner.

5 Aiden Harris — Weddington (Senior DL)

ESPN: 8
Rivals: 5
247Sports: 9
Height/weight: 6-4, 245
Offers: Just shy of 40 Division I schools are in pursuit of Harris, including Auburn, Boston College, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Miami (Florida), Michigan, Michigan State, NC State, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Oregon, Penn State, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, USC and Virginia Tech.
Commitment: South Carolina
Numbers and notes: The nephew of NFL Hall of Fame outside linebacker Thomas Davis is credited with 229 tackles in his first three seasons — 62 of those in opponents’ backfield — along with 23 ½ sacks. Last fall, he had 82 tackles and 13½ sacks for a Weddington team that went 13-1, its only loss to eventual NCHSAA 4A state champion Grimsley.

6 Samari Matthews — Hough (Senior DB)

ESPN: 6
Rivals: 7
247Sports: 7
Height/weight: 6-1, 190
Offers: More than 40 schools are in pursuit of Matthews, including South Carolina, Florida State, Miami (Florida), Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Clemson, Colorado, Duke, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, LSU, Michigan, NC State, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas A&M, USC and Virginia Tech, among others.
Commitment: Texas
Numbers and notes: Matthews has tallied 104 career tackles along with 10 interceptions and six fumble recoveries. He is a 4-star prospect, according to 247Sports, and a top 15 recruit as his position.

7. Leo Delaney — Providence Day (Senior OL)

ESPN: 5
Rivals: 9
247Sports: 18
Height/weight: 6-6, 290
Offers: Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Charlotte, Duke, East Carolina, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Kentucky, Liberty, LSU, Maryland, Miami (Florida), Michigan, Missouri, NC State, Nebraska, North Carolina, NC Central, Ole Miss, Oregon, Penn State South Carolina, Syracuse, Tennessee, Texas A&M, USC, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Wisconsin
Commitment: Clemson
Numbers and notes: A 4-star recruit, Delaney is ranked eighth among other prospects statewide and No. 6 in the nation among fellow interior offensive linemen. He’s helped Providence Day to a 34-4 record over the past three seasons, winning NCISAA state titles in 2023 and 2025.

8 Pierre "P.J." Dean — West Forsyth (Senior DL)

ESPN: 7
Rivals: 6
247Sports: 6
Height/weight: 6-4, 255
Offers: Ohio State, South Carolina, Alabama, Appalachian State, Auburn, Charlotte, Duke, East Carolina, Florida, Florida State, James Madison, Liberty, Louisville, LSU, Miami (Florida), NC State, North Carolina, Penn State, Purdue, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia
Commitment: Georgia
Numbers and notes: Dean plans to follow in the footsteps of his half-brother Jared Wilson, who also starred at West Forsyth and Georgia before being drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. Last fall, he was credited with 13 tackles (three for a loss) and three sacks.

9 Thomas Davis Jr. — Weddington (Senior LB)

ESPN: 10
Rivals: 13
247Sports: 15
Height/weight: 6-2, 205
Offers: Davis holds offers from more than 30 schools, including storied programs such as Auburn, Clemson, LSU, Miami (Florida), Michigan, NC State, North Carolina, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Tennessee, USC, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin.
Commitment: Notre Dame
Numbers and notes: Son of Carolina Panthers legend Thomas Davis Sr., he was credited with 62 tackles (eight for a loss), two interceptions and 10 pass breakups as a freshman. As a sophomore, he had 92 tackles (13 ½ for a loss), a sack and an interception, helping the Warriors to the NCHSAA 4A state title.

10 Keshawn Stancil — Clayton (Senior DL)

ESPN: 11
Rivals: 10
247Sports: 5
Height/weight: 6-3, 260
Offers: Stancil holds offers from NC State, Penn State, Miami (Florida), Georgia, Appalachian State, Auburn, East Carolina, Florida, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Michigan State, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest and West Virginia among others.
Commitment: Miami (Flipped from Clemson)
Numbers and notes: Stancil already had 102 tackles (30 for a loss), 14 sacks, four forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception entering his senior season. He tallied 63 of those as a junior, helping Clayton to a 10-2 record.

11 Ebenezer Ewetade — South Garner (Senior DE)

ESPN: 12
Rivals: 8
247Sports: 12
Height/weight: 6-4, 221
Offers: Alabama, Appalachian State, Auburn, Campbell, Coastal Carolina, Duke, East Carolina, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Miami (Florida), Michigan State, NC State, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, South Carolina, Temple, Troy, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest
Commitment: Notre Dame
Numbers and notes: Ewetade enjoyed a breakout season last fall, finishing with 82 tackles (28 for a loss), 10 sacks and four forced fumbles. A 4-star recruit, he is ranked by 247Sports among the nation’s top 25 edge rushers in the 2026 class.

12 Gordon Sellars — Providence Day (Senior WR)

ESPN: 9
Rivals: 11
247Sports: 13
Height/weight: 6-2, 180
Offers: Sellars holds offers from a host of schools including Arkansas, Duke, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Miami (Florida), Michigan, NC State, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, South Carolina, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, West Virginia and Wisconsin, among others.
Commitment: Clemson
Numbers and notes: After playing a limited role as a freshman, Sellars had 72 receptions for 1,482 yards and 14 touchdowns over the next two seasons. He is rated a 4-star prospect by 247Sports.

13 Trashawn Ruffin — North Duplin (Senior DT)

ESPN: 13
Rivals: 13
247Sports: 14
Height/weight: 6-3, 331
Offers: Alabama, Charlotte, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Kentucky, Liberty, LSU, Michigan, Missouri, NC State, Nebraska, Ohio State, Old Dominion, South Carolina, Texas, Texas A&M, USC, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Wisconsin
Commitment: North Carolina (Flipped from Texas A&M)
Numbers and notes: A four-year starter, Ruffin is credited with 117 tackles (10 for a loss), eight sacks and three fumble recoveries his first three seasons. He is a 4-star recruit, according to 247Sports.

14 Noah Clark — C.E. Jordan (Senior DL)

ESPN: 16
Rivals: 16
247Sports: 10
Height/weight: 6-3, 330
Offers: Clark holds offers from more than 40 schools, among them NC State, Virginia Tech, Notre Dame, Virginia, Arkansas, Duke, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Miami (Florida), Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Penn State, Tennessee and Texas.
Commitment: South Carolina
Numbers and notes: Over the past three seasons, he’s tallied 175 tackles (43½ for a loss), 9.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, two blocked field goals and a blocked punt. The Falcons have won 29 games during the stretch.

15 Camdin Portis — Myers Park (Senior DB)

ESPN: 19
Rivals: 15
247Sports: 8
Height/weight: 6-feet, 165
Offers: Akron, Arkansas, Auburn, Boston College, Charlotte, Colorado, Florida, Georgia Tech, Houston, Howard, Indiana, Marshall, Michigan, Missouri, NC State, North Carolina, Ohio State, Old Dominion, Ole Miss, Penn State, Tennessee, UCLA, USF, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia
Commitment: Miami
Numbers and notes: The son of Clinton Portis, a 2001 college football national champion with Miami and a two-time NFL Pro Bowler, the younger Portis finished with 58 tackles (six for a loss), two sacks and an interception last fall.

16 Zavion Griffin-Haynes — Rolesville (Senior DE)

ESPN: 15
Rivals: 19
247Sports: 17
Height/weight: 6-6, 235
Offers: More than 40 schools sought the interest of the Rolesville pass rusher, among them Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Duke, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Maryland, Miami (Florida), Michigan, Michigan State, Missouri, NC State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Penn State, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech and Washington, among others.
Commitment: North Carolina
Numbers and notes: A 4-star prospect, Griffin-Haynes originally committed to UNC before former coach Mack Brown’s retirement. He recommitted to the Tar Heels in June, the school also receiving the nod from his brother Jayden.

17 Andrew Harris — Weddington (Senior DL)

ESPN: 14
Rivals: 18
247Sports: 21
Height/weight: 6-2, 235
Offers: Appalachian State, Auburn, Boston College, Charlotte, Florida, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Indiana, James Madison, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Maryland, Memphis, Miami (Florida), Michigan, Michigan State, Missouri, NC State, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Penn State, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, Troy, UCLA, UConn, USC, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia
Commitment: South Carolina
Numbers and notes: Harris had 239 tackles (61 for a loss), 36 sacks and two forced fumbles as an underclassman. A 4-star prospect, he’ll be making the transition to linebacker at the next level.

18 Elijah Littlejohn — West Charlotte (Senior LB)

ESPN: 18
Rivals: 20
247Sports: 16
Height/weight: 6-3, 225
Offers: Alabama, Auburn, Charlotte, Colorado, East Carolina, Gardner-Webb, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Johnson C. Smith, Kentucky, Liberty, Louisville, Miami (Florida), Michigan, NC State, North Carolina, Ohio State, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Temple, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Troy, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia, Wisconsin
Commitment: Penn State
Numbers and notes: A 4-star prospect, Littlejohn returned to West Charlotte this offseason, where he spent the first two seasons of his varsity football career. Last fall at West Mecklenburg, he finished with 84 tackles (26 for a loss) and 14 sacks.

19 J.B. Shabazz — East Forsyth (Senior OL)

ESPN: 23
Rivals: 14
247Sports: 28
Height/weight: 6-6, 315
Offers: Shabazz holds offers from Ohio State, NC State, Penn State and South Carolina, as well as Appalachian State, Auburn, East Carolina, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Kentucky, Liberty, Louisville, LSU, Maryland, North Carolina, Purdue, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia
Commitment: Tennessee
Numbers and notes: A 4-star prospect and North Carolina’s 26th-ranked recruit in the class of 2026, Shabazz was part of an offensive line that helped East Forsyth average 485 yards per game last fall on the way to a 13-win campaign.

20 Jace McCallum — Mooresville (Senior DL)

ESPN: 20
Rivals: 22
247Sports: 22
Height/weight: 6-3, 240
Offers: Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Appalachian State, Boston College, Buffalo, Coastal Carolina, Delaware, Duke, East Carolina, Eastern Kentucky, Elon, Gardner-Webb, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, James Madison, Liberty, Miami (Ohio), NC State, North Carolina A&T, Sacramento State, San Diego State, Troy, USF, Virginia, Yale
Commitment: Vanderbilt
Numbers and notes: McCallum transferred to Mooresville over the summer. He enjoyed a breakout season last fall at Hickory Ridge, tallying 44 tackles (18 for a loss), 12 sacks and a fumble recovery.

21 Keysaun Eleazer — Southeast Raleigh (Senior DL)

ESPN: 17
Rivals 35
247Sports 27
Height/Weight: 6-4, 185 pounds
Offers: Ohio State, Georgia, Penn State, Ole Miss, Virginia Tech, Tennessee, Florida State, North Carolina, Stanford, Georgia Tech, Duke.
Commitment: Stanford
Numbers and notes: Eleazer has excellent length and plenty of room to add weight to his 6-foot-4 edge rusher frame. He made 81 tackles and 13.5 sacks in 10 games during his junior season at Southeast Raleigh.

22 William Vaughn — Kings Mountain (Senior TE)

ESPN: 26
Rivals. 20
247Sports: 32
Height/Weight: 6-4, 230 pounds
Offers: Virginia Tech, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida State, Duke, Florida, Ole Miss, Michigan State, Louisville, NC State, West Virginia
Commitment: Boston College
Numbers and notes: Talling 994 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in his junior season with Kings Mountain, Vaughn has played wideout and tight end in high school. He'll likely gravitate to the tight end position at the collegiate level, where he'll need to add a few pounds.

23 Ben Boulware — Oak Grove (Senior DL)

ESPN: 36
Rivals. 28
247Sports: 18
Height/Weight: 6-5, 305 pounds
Offers: Georgia, Auburn, Michigan, Florida, Florida State, North Carolina, Louisville, West Virginia, Virginia Tech, USC, East Carolina
Commitment: None
Numbers and notes: Boulware made 58 total tackles for Oak Grove High School in Winston-Salem as a junior. He can play on either line, and at 6-foot-5 and just over 300 pounds, college coaches will have a blast building on his already wall-like frame.

24 Kosci Barnes — Grimsley (Senior DB)

ESPN: 27
Rivals: 26
247Sports 29
Height/Weight: 6-2, 185
Offers: Rutgers, Kentucky, Miami, Mississippi State, North Carolina, Louisville, Michigan State, Cincinnati, Appalachian State, East Carolina
Commitment: South Carolina
Numbers and notes: Barnes made three interceptions while bringing down 59 ball carriers as a junior in 2024 for Grimsley. He's got prototypical cornerback size and decent speed.

25 Lyrik Pettis — Crest (Senior DB)

ESPN: 30
Rivals 32
247Sports 31
Height/Weight: 6-1, 175
Offers: NC State, North Carolina, West Virginia, Wake Forest, Appalachian State, Miami (OH), East Carolina, Liberty, James Madison
Commitment: Duke
Numbers and notes: A basketball and football standout at Crest High School, Pettis made 76 tackles and two interceptions from his safety position in 2024. He's not the most athletically gifted athlete on the field, but his speed and vision, combined with a hunger for hitting, make him a formidable threat.

26 D’Various Surratt — Crest (Senior S)

ESPN: 32
Rivals: 45
247Sports: 29
Height/Weight: 6-0, 185
Offers: NC State, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Duke, Missouri, East Carolina, Appalachian State, Coastal Carolina, Liberty, Charlotte, James Madison, Old Dominion,
Commitment: NC State
Numbers and notes: Surratt posted 43 tackles, four interceptions (1 TD), and 139 return yards in 2024. He's a three-year varsity starter with All-State honors and standout return skills. Versatile, physical, and instinctive in coverage.

27 Tyran Evans — Hough (Senior WR)

ESPN: 38
Rivals: 12
247Sports: 33
Height/Weight: 6-3, 180
Offers: Tennessee, Miami, North Carolina, NC State, Virginia Tech, Florida State, South Carolina, East Carolina, Liberty, Cincinnati, James Madison, Florida, Charlotte, Gardner-Webb, Troy, Temple, USF
Commitment: Miami
Numbers and notes: As a junior in 2024, Evans totaled 36 catches for 980 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging over 27 yards per reception. He's quick down the field and has the size to go over smaller defensive backs on deep balls.

28 Andrew Rogers — Grimsley (Junior DE)

ESPN: Not listed
Rivals: 15
247Sports: 22
Height/Weight: 6-6, 240
Offers: Arkansas, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Michigan State, North Carolina, Notre Dame, South Carolina, Tennessee, UCLA, Virginia Tech
Commitment: None
Numbers and notes: Rogers posted 76 tackles, 34 tackles for loss, and 23 sacks in 2024. He's got fantastic size and a slew of Power 5 offers despite a relatively low profile.

29 Grant Lawless — East Lincoln (Senior QB)

ESPN: 34
Rivals: 14
247Sports: 23
Height/Weight: 6‑3, 195
Offers: Wake Forest, Gardner‑Webb, Elon
Commitment: Wake Forest
Numbers and notes: In his junior season, Lawless completed 203 of 338 attempts for 3,033 yards, 40 TDs and just four interceptions, with a 124.0 QB rating. He added 247 rushing yards and two rushing TDs on 75 carries. He projects as an efficient, pocket-passing QB with strong consistency and scoring upside.

30 Nick Reddish — Independence (Senior DB)

ESPN: 35
Rivals: 44
247Sports: 30
Height/Weight: 5‑11, 170
Offers: Virginia Tech, Indiana, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Wake Forest, Tennessee, Duke, NC State, Liberty, USC, Ole Miss, Louisville, West Virginia, UCF
Commitment: Notre Dame
Numbers and notes: Redish is a versatile safety that makes up for his size with great speed and quick instincts in pass coverage.

31 Donovan Johnson — Pine Forest (Senior OL)

ESPN: 21
Rivals: 52
247Sports: 37
Height/Weight: 6-3, 325
Offers: Appalachian State, Duke, East Carolina, Georgia State, Kentucky, Liberty, Wake Forest, West Virginia, Rutgers (committed March 10, 2025), plus offers from Pittsburgh, Norfolk State, Toledo
Commitment: Rutgers
Numbers and notes: Logged 13 pancake blocks, 36 solo tackles and one fumble recovery in 2024. Gritty interior presence with good size and substantial run-game impact.

32 Brody Keefe — Myers Park (Senior WR)

ESPN: 28
Rivals: 37
247Sports: 38
Height/Weight: 6-3, 190
Offers: Duke, Arkansas, Auburn, Charlotte, East Carolina, Florida State, Georgia, Illinois, Liberty, Michigan, Michigan State, NC State, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest
Commitment: Duke
Numbers and notes: In 2024, Keefe caught 41 passes for 599 yards and 11 touchdowns over 11 games. A tall, smooth route-runner with reliable hands and Power Five interest.

33 DJ Howerton — Grimsley (Senior TE)

ESPN: 40
Rivals: 42
247Sports: 34
Height/Weight: 6‑6, 225
Offers: Florida, Florida State, Louisville, NC State, Rutgers, South Carolina, UCF, Utah, Wake Forest, West Virginia
Commitment: Rutgers
Numbers and notes: Recorded 17 catches for 297 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024, averaging 17.5 yards per reception. Howerton has excellent height and length and is a skilled pass‐catcher who also offers value as a blocker and match-up weapon.

34 Kamdon Gillespie — Mooresville (Senior DE)

ESPN: 23
Rivals: 36
247Sports: 46
Height/Weight: 6‑2, 230 lbs
Offers: Boston College, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, West Virginia
Commitment: West Virginia (Flipped from Virginia Tech)
Numbers and notes: In 2024, logged 61 tackles, eight sacks and 10 quarterback hurries. Gillespie is a versatile and athletic edge rusher who also pitches in high school baseball.

35 Jayden Griffin-Haynes — Rolesville (Senior OLB)

ESPN: 25
Rivals: 62
247Sports: 36
Height/Weight: 6-2, 200
Offers: North Carolina, NC State, Maryland, East Carolina, Appalachian State, Liberty
Commitment: North Carolina
Numbers and notes: Finished 2024 with 107 tackles, six sacks, 10 quarterback hurries, five pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and one interception. Griffin-Haynes is a physical and aggressive edge defender with natural instincts and big-play ability.

36 Tyrell Simpson — North Brunswick (Senior OT)

ESPN: 33
Rivals: 41
247Sports: 35
Height/weight: 6-8, 310
Offers: Simpson holds offers from Virginia Tech, Liberty, Rutgers, Coastal Carolina, Appalachian State, Marshall, Old Dominion, Kentucky, and Florida
Commitment: Virginia Tech (Flipped from Rutgers)
Numbers and notes: Simpson was the anchor for the offensive line on a 7-6 North Brunswick team. He originally committed to Rutgers on May 31, but flipped to Virginia Tech in late June.

37 Jamal Rule — Charlotte Christian (Senior RB)

ESPN: 31
Rivals: 32
247Sports: 50
Height/weight: 6-feet, 205
Offers: Nebraska, Michigan State, Virginia Tech, Syracuse, Appalachian State, Arkansas, Boston College, Elon, James Madison, Liberty, Miami (OH), NC State, Pitt, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Wake Forest
Commitment: Nebraska
Numbers and notes: Rule, a 3-star prospect, rushed for 1,236 yards in his junior season and accounted for 15 touchdowns.

38 Damaad Lewis — Myers Park (Senior DL)

ESPN: Not Ranked
Rivals: 43
247Sports: 20
Height/weight: 6-4, 245
Offers: Florida State, NC State, California, Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi State, Rutgers, Texas, Texas A&M, USC, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Washington, Oregon, Appalachian State, UNC Charlotte, Miami (OH), Nevada, Troy
Commitment: Florida State
Numbers and notes: Lewis, the brother of 2019 National Champion with LSU and current Seattle Seahawk Damien Lewis, is a 4-star recruit. He picked FSU over a final three that also included NC State and Nebraska.

39 Aiden Smalls — Clayton (Senior ATH)

ESPN: 43
Rivals: 38
247Sports: 41
Height/weight: 6-feet, 175
Offers: NC State, Rice, Appalachian State, Bethune-Cookman, Boston College, Coastal Carolina, Duke, ECU, James Madison, Liberty, Troy, Virginia Tech
Commitment: NC State (Flipped from Rice)
Numbers and notes: Originally committed to Rice, Smalls flipped to NC State in July. Mainly at QB, Smalls led Clayton to a 10-2 record and scored 36 touchdowns in his junior year.

40 Gavin Waddell — Rolesville (Senior WR)

ESPN: 46
Rivals: 39
247Sports: 39
Height/weight: 6-1, 175
Offers: Louisville, Appalachian State, Austin Peay, Bethune-Cookman, Campbell, UNC Charlotte, East Carolina, Elon, Florida A&M, Howard, Gardner-Webb, Georgia Southern, James Madison, Maryland, Miami, Old Dominion, Tennessee State, Troy, UConn, Western Illinois, Duke
Commitment: Louisville
Numbers and notes: Waddell, a 3-star prospect, has led Rolesville to two deep playoff runs, including a 4A title loss last season. Waddell has combined for 2,040 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns over his previous two seasons.

41 Terande Spencer — Richmond Senior (Senior DE)

ESPN: 22
Rivals: 46
247Sports: 26
Height/weight: 6-3, 235
Offers: ECU, UNC, Appalachian State, USF, UNC Charlotte, Troy, NC A&T
Commitment: East Carolina
Numbers and notes: Spencer recorded 101 tackles, 17 sacks, 2 INTs, and three forced fumbles in his junior season.

42 Manny Lewis — Marvin Ridge (Senior DE)

ESPN: 37
Rivals: 48
247Sports: 25
Height/weight: 6-2, 250
Offers: Appalachian State, Air Force, UNC Charlotte, Colorado, Dartmouth, ECU, Georgia Tech, Houston, James Madison, Miami (OH), Troy, Virginia Tech, and Yale
Commitment: Appalachian State
Numbers and notes: Lewis, a 3-star prospect, collected 15 sacks as a junior and forced two fumbles.

43 Jaire Richburg — East Forsyth (Senior WR)

ESPN: 49
Rivals: 36
247Sports: 43
Height/weight: 6-3, 180
Offers: NC State, UNC, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech, Penn State, Appalachian State, Boston College, UNC Charlotte, Duke, ECU, James Madison, Liberty, Louisville, Marshall, Maryland, Penn State, South Carolina, Temple, West Virginia
Commitment: NC State
Numbers and notes: The 3-Star prospect was a huge part of a 13-1, fourth-round playoff team. Richburg caught 990 receiving yards with 13 total touchdowns.

44 Caleb Gordon — Ashbrook (Senior LB)

ESPN: 41
Rivals: 40
247Sports: 60
Height/weight: 6-feet, 215
Offers: Arkansas, Virginia, Liberty, Appalachian State, Austin Peay, UNC Charlotte, Clemson, Coastal Carolina, ECU, Gardner-Webb, Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Marshall, Memphis, UNC, Old Dominion, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, West Virginia
Commitment: West Virginia (Flipped from Arkansas)
Numbers and notes: The inside linebacker gathered 141 tackles with two interceptions and two fumble recoveries as a junior.

45 Alex Voss — Marvin Ridge (Senior WR)

ESPN: 48
Rivals: 37
247Sports: 52
Height/weight: 6-3, 190
Offers: Boston College, Cornell, ECU, Elon, Gardner-Webb, James Madison, Miami (OH), Princeton
Commitment: Boston College
Numbers and notes: The 3-star recruit caught 45 receptions for 696 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior.

46 Zaid Lott — Providence Day (Senior QB)

ESPN: 39
Rivals: 45
247Sports: 51
Height/weight: 6-3, 180
Offers: Syracuse, UNC Charlotte, UNC, NC State, Florida State, Boston College
Commitment: Syracuse
Numbers and notes: Lott, a true pocket passer, has thrown 3,315 yards along with 32 touchdown passes and six interceptions.

47 K.D. Cotton — West Charlotte (Senior ATH)

ESPN: 53
Rivals: 47
247Sports: 47
Height/weight: 5-9, 185
Offers: Duke, NC State, UNC Charlotte, Dartmouth, ECU, Indiana, Kentucky, Marshall, Miami, Miami (OH), Middle Tennessee, Ole Miss, Temple, Troy, Virginia, Virginia Tech
Commitment: Duke
Numbers and notes: Though mainly at the safety spot, Cotton led West Charlotte to a 3A state title with 22 total touchdowns and five interceptions.

48 Gannon Jones — Cardinal Gibbons (Senior QB)

ESPN: 54
Rivals: 44
247Sports: 54
Height/weight: 5-10, 185
Offers: Princeton, Wake Forest, Arkansas State
Commitment: Wake Forest
Numbers and notes: The 4A state runner-up threw 35 touchdowns and only five interceptions for 3,194 yards.

49 Ely Hamrick — Crest (Senior QB)

ESPN: 45
Rivals: 49
247Sports: 64
Height/weight: 6-4, 215
Offers: Appalachian State, Virginia, UNC Charlotte, ECU, Kentucky, Toldeo
Commitment: Virginia
Numbers and notes: Hamrick transferred from A.C. Reynolds mid-year in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene and threw 1,118 yards in eight games.

50 Marcus Monroe — North Raleigh Christian (Senior TE)

ESPN: 29
Rivals: 52
247Sports: 40
Height/weight: 6-4, 211
Offers: Stanford, Cincinnati, Liberty, Coastal Carolina, Delaware, Ohio, Georgia Southern, Bethune-Cookman, Campbell, North Carolina Central, Rhode Island, The Citadel, UAB, Yale
Commitment: Stanford
Numbers and notes: The three-star prospect reclassified to the 2026 class after a breakout junior season where he caught 50 passes for 792 yards and nine touchdowns.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: signing day football prospects North Carolina 2025

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