Inside Bill Belichick’s Secret QB Rankings: Which Rising Stars from Florida State and South Carolina Are Making the Cut?

Bill Belichick stepping into the college football recruiting scene with North Carolina has been a story buzzing louder than a SEC rivalry game. Now, with Jackson, Alabama’s Landon Duckworth—a top 10 QB in the 2026 class—naming the Tar Heels among his top five schools, the question on my mind is: can the legendary NFL coach craft another masterpiece, this time on the collegiate level? It’s no secret the competition is fierce, with Florida State, South Carolina, Ole Miss, and Auburn also vying for Duckworth’s commitment. UNC’s 2026 quarterback spot was open after losing Zaid Lott earlier this year, and while Gio Lopez adds experience via the transfer portal, landing Duckworth would be a seismic recruiting coup that could redefine the program’s trajectory under Belichick. The dynamic dual-threat QB’s mix of physical prowess and raw potential has college football fans on edge—will he bring his winning ways and 33-5 record to Chapel Hill? Only time will tell, but the intrigue is palpable. LEARN MORE

North Carolina football won over a top 10 quarterback for the 2026 class. Bill Belichick and the Tar Heels made the short list for one prized incoming senior talent. All amid a push from rivals Florida State and South Carolina.

Jackson, Alabama QB Landon Duckworth announced Belichick’s Heels in his top five. The Seminoles and Gamecocks are also on his short list, Hayes Fawcett of On3 revealed on Thursday evening.

Rounding out Duckworth’s top five are Ole Miss and Auburn. But UNC can deliver a massive college football recruiting coup for the first-year Tar Heels coach.

The eight-time Super Bowl winner and UNC currently don’t have a QB committed for the ’26 class. Belichick lost Zaid Lott to a decommitment back on March 25. North Carolina does have Gio Lopez on board via the college football transfer portal, though.

Still, Duckworth becomes a major addition to Belichick’s UNC team if he chooses the Heels.

Top 10 QB would bring dynamic element to Bill Belichick, North Carolina 

Duckworth ranks as a four-star talent by multiple national recruiting outlets. He’s the nation’s No. 6 ranked QB, plus Alabama’s third-best prospect by 247Sports. Andrew Ivins wrote a glowing take during his 247Sports evaluation of Duckworth.

Ivins called him a “dynamic dual-threat with rare physical tools.” He also liked his quick release. Duckworth owns multiple state championships in basketball, track and on the football field. There are areas Duckworth must fine tune, though, as Ivins pointed out.

“Ball placement can be a bit erratic when looking to target the intermediate parts of the field, but makes up for the spotty accuracy with his legs and agility as he can exit the pocket and create chunk plays,” Ivins wrote.

Duckworth also owns an astonishing 33-5 overall record as a starting quarterback. He landed 32 total offers before unveiling his top five. Belichick and UNC would ignite their ’26 class if they win over the QB.

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