LEBANON, OH: Five-star small forward Anthony Thompson, one of the most sought-after prospects in the 2026 basketball recruiting class, has narrowed his list of potential destinations to 15 schools, with the North Carolina Tar Heels firmly in the mix. The 6’8″ standout from Western Reserve High School (OH) confirmed UNC’s inclusion in his recruitment on April 25, positioning the program alongside heavyweights like Ohio State, Indiana, and others vying for his commitment (via Yahoo Sports).
Inside the Recruitment
Thompson’s blend of size, defensive versatility, and offensive upside has made him a priority for Hubert Davis and UNC’s staff since they extended an offer in 2024. While the Tar Heels face stiff competition—Ohio State (23.6%) and Indiana (20.7%) currently lead per On3 Sports’ predictive metrics—their recent roster-building success could tilt momentum. UNC has aggressively utilized the transfer portal this offseason, adding 7-footer Henri Veesaar (Arizona) and four-star point guard Kyan Evans, creating a compelling developmental pitch for Thompson.
The departure of projected 2025 NBA Draft pick Drake Powell leaves a gap at small forward, amplifying UNC’s need for a high-impact wing. Thompson’s timeline aligns with this urgency: he plans to trim his list further this summer before committing during his senior season.
Future Forecast
Landing Thompson would mark a pivotal win for UNC’s 2026 class, which already prioritizes versatile forwards. The Tar Heels are evaluating multiple options at the position, including four-star Cole Cloer, but Thompson’s elite two-way potential separates him as a program-defining target.
UNC’s ability to remain competitive hinges on sustained success in 2025-26. A strong ACC campaign and deep NCAA Tournament run could reinforce their pitch, leveraging both tradition and modern roster-building prowess. For Thompson, proximity (Ohio State, Indiana) and playing-time projections will weigh heavily, but UNC’s national brand and developmental track record keep them squarely in contention.
