The North Carolina Tar Heels have landed a game-changing commitment that could shape the future of their program for years to come. Cameron Williams, the No. 1 overall player in the class of 2026, has officially committed to UNC, choosing the Tar Heels over a final list that included SMU, Kentucky, and Kansas.
Williams made the announcement public on Saturday afternoon, sharing a video on social media that showed him putting on the iconic Carolina Blue jersey. For weeks, speculation swirled around where the five-star guard might land, but in the end, UNC’s tradition, coaching staff, and player development track record sealed the deal.
“This has been a dream of mine since I first picked up a basketball,” Williams said during his announcement. “I want to play at the highest level, compete for championships, and prepare for the NBA. Coach [Hubert] Davis and UNC give me everything I need to grow as a player and as a man.”
A 6-foot-5 combo guard with elite scoring ability, vision, and athleticism, Williams is widely regarded as the most complete player in the 2026 class. He possesses the size and strength of a college-ready guard, combined with an advanced understanding of the game. On the court, he’s a menace in transition, a natural floor leader, and a clutch performer in big moments.
During his junior season at Lincoln Prep (TX), Williams averaged 26.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 2.6 steals per game. He led his team to a state championship and earned National Player of the Year honors from multiple scouting outlets. His performances on the EYBL circuit only solidified his status as the best high school player in America.
UNC head coach Hubert Davis has been in close contact with Williams and his family for over a year. The Tar Heels prioritized him early and made him their top target for the 2026 cycle. With this commitment, UNC secures not only a future college star but a potential one-and-done NBA lottery pick.
“This is a massive recruiting win for Carolina,” said Adam Thompson, a national recruiting analyst. “Williams is the type of player that can carry a team deep into March. His leadership, work ethic, and all-around game are off the charts.”
For the Tar Heels, this commitment sends a clear message: UNC is still a premier destination for the nation’s top players. After a few quieter years on the recruiting front, Coach Davis and his staff have reestablished momentum with the addition of Williams, who could anchor a top-ranked class.
While other schools made strong pushes — including SMU, which pitched Williams on being the face of their rising program — the pull of UNC’s history, its success with NBA guards, and the chance to compete in the ACC proved too powerful.
Williams plans to enroll early and will continue to train with a professional-level regimen throughout his senior year of high school.
“This is just the beginning,” he said. “I’m ready to work, and I’m ready to bring a championship back to Chapel Hill.”
With Cameron Williams now in the fold, North Carolina’s future looks brighter than ever. Tar Heel fans, buckle up — a new era of UNC basketball may have just begun.