Five programs that will benefit from Mack Brown’s dismissal
With the news that North Carolina fired Mack Brown on Tuesday, there will be programs that benefit from that on the recruiting trail. Here is a look at five of them:
1. NC STATE
This is the obvious one but it should not be understated. The Wolfpack have only one of the top 18 prospects in the state rankings committed so some uncertainty and upheaval in Chapel Hill could play to their benefit. Especially in the 2026 class, there are a lot of top prospects in the state including four-star cornerback Samari Matthews and four-star lineman Ekene Ogboko who could swing in NC State’s favor after this news. The 2025 group is pretty much wrapped up save a few names but coach Dave Doeren and his staff could target some key 2026 prospects as the new UNC staff unpacks their boxes.
2. GEORGIA TECH
North Carolina three-star receiver commit Evan Haynes has already visited with Georgia Tech and the program is clearly trying to flip him. With coaching upheaval in Chapel Hill, this could be a good time for coach Brent Key, who has a huge win over Miami to sell on the recruiting trail, to go after Haynes and other top prospects from the state of Georgia. There are currently as many Tar Heel commits from North Carolina as there are Georgia so the Yellow Jackets could start dipping into this class since they have coaching stability and the search is just starting in Chapel Hill.
3. PENN STATE
It has been no secret that Penn State has been poking around for a second quarterback in this recruiting class and the Nittany Lions have made overtures to four-star quarterback Bryce Baker. But the Kernersville (N.C.) East Forsyth standout has been steadfast in his commitment to North Carolina as long as coach Mack Brown was in place. Well, Brown has now been fired and the early family reaction to that news has not been positive. Baker is one of the best QBs in the 2025 class and with this news so close to signing day it could be a major opportunity for Penn State to swoop in and get a steal.
4. TENNESSEE
Tennessee has already dipped into the state of North Carolina for the No. 1 prospect in the 2026 class, five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon of Greensboro (N.C.) Grimsley, and now the Volunteers have to be considered the clear front-runner for four-star defensive end Isaiah Campbell, who had the Tar Heels in his top two as well. The SEC power has done great work in the state since five-star David Sanders remains committed although Ohio State is making a great push. With a new staff in place in Chapel Hill and a potential run to the College Football Playoff lining up for Tennessee, the Vols should continue to be able to poach top players in North Carolina.
5. SOUTH CAROLINA
The border wars should continue but the news that Brown has been fired could only benefit South Carolina here. Top 2026 cornerback Samari Matthews is definitely a name to watch as the Gamecocks have taken an edge in his recruitment although it’s almost certain he will stay regional. The 2025 class is basically wrapped up save for a few names but this could really help the Gamecocks with a lot of 2026 prospects like Brody Keefe, Ekene Ogboko possibly, Pierre Dean if he decides to stay regional and many others. Coach Shane Beamer finally has South Carolina rolling a little bit any uncertainty in Chapel Hill is a bonus in Columbia.
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