Dylan Mingo, a five-star combo guard ranked No. 8 in the class of 2026, announced his commitment to the University of North Carolina on Tuesday during ESPN's First Take. The 6-foot-5 prospect from Long Island Lutheran High School in New York chose the Tar Heels over Baylor, Washington and Penn State. Mingo becomes UNC's second top-25 recruit in the class of 2026, joining Maximo Adams.
Dylan Mingo revealed his decision on Stephen A. Smith's ESPN show after thanking his family and past coaches. He unzipped his sweatshirt to show a UNC shirt and said, "With that being said, I would like to take my talents to the University of North Carolina."
Explaining his choice, Mingo highlighted the family-oriented atmosphere during his visit. "The coaches made me feel welcomed. The team was super nice. I hung out with the team for a bit. They were all connected, I didn't feel any animosity," he said. He also cited UNC's legacy as a childhood dream.
The UNC-Duke rivalry influenced him indirectly. Mingo noted, "I chose North Carolina for North Carolina. But definitely seeing everything after they won the game had a huge impact just on my decision. It's so joyful. The players look so joyful." He referenced comments from Seth Trimble and Caleb Wilson about their love for the UNC community.
Despite his brother Kayden playing at Penn State, Mingo selected UNC. "Penn State was second. It was super hard to not play with your brother, to decline that option, I just felt like North Carolina (is) best for me right now," he explained.
Mingo described what UNC gains: "They're getting a winner. I will assure that we're going to win at North Carolina next year. And second off, I'd say dog. Dog on defense first. A person that's versatile, that has long length, that can defend one through three, one through four." Offensively, he compared himself to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cade Cunningham, preferring point guard but adaptable.
His goal is clear: "I mean, the goal is the national championship."
In the EYBL with PSA Cardinals, Mingo averaged nearly 18 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. A high-ankle sprain has affected his senior season, but UNC expects recovery by 2026-27. Scouting director Adam Finkelstein praised his handle, vision and defensive versatility.
At 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, Mingo joins 6-foot-7 Maximo Adams, signaling a shift toward perimeter size for the Tar Heels under coach Hubert Davis.
