Bill Belichick Deals Mike Elko a 331lb Blow by Poaching 4-Star Texas A&M Commit to UNC

Another day, another recruiting coup. “I didn’t come here to leave. I’m here to do the best I can for UNC and the program.” When Bill Belichick uttered these words, he meant them, and he’s sure proving it. Seeing the notoriously stoic GOAT flashing those subtle ‘recruiting’ smiles at teen recruits this offseason? Yeah, he means business. And this time, it’s Mike Elko feeling the heat. It’s a familiar pattern: when the seasoned strategist makes a move, the elite of college football take notice. This particular move, however, has Elko reevaluating his defenses. A 6-foot-3, 331-pound force, the No. 10-ranked prospect from North Carolina—a player coveted by virtually every major program—has flipped his commitment from Texas A&M to UNC, a development that caught everyone off guard.

The recruit? Trashawn Ruffin! Ruffin’s decision marks Bill Belichick’s ninth commitment for UNC’s 2026 class. Though he had been committed to Texas A&M since October 2024, the DL maintained an open mind, scheduling visits to LSU (May 30), UNC (June 6), Texas A&M (June 13), and South Carolina (June 20). Notably, his visit to UNC on March 8, his first recruiting stop of the offseason, proved pivotal, significantly impacting Bill Belichick and his team’s recruiting efforts.

Now hitting the exciting news on X, On3 recruits announced: “4-star DL Trashawn Ruffin has flipped his commitment from Texas A&M to North Carolina🐏.” Those skeptics doubting Bill Belichick’s CFB recruiting chops when the GOAT coach entered the scene were way off base. Turns out, his name alone opens doors. And that’s exactly what happened with Trashawn Ruffin.

Just hours before flipping to UNC, he decommitted from Elko’s program, an obvious sign that the Aggies are about to lose their 4th commitment in the cycle. After making the flip, Ruffin said, “Well, first of all, UNC has the greatest coach of all time as far as I am concerned and an all-star staff. I feel that they can lead me in the right way in order for me to be developed as I should be. And the atmosphere was great when we were there.”

Can you blame him? Not even a little. With Belichick’s defensive background, known in the NFL for creating a “fluid” defense that maximizes player talents and focuses more on technique than scheme, it just makes sense. Plus, staying close to home and learning from one of the best defensive minds in football? That’s a no-brainer. On the field, Ruffin is a certified man-mover—brute strength to clog the middle at nose tackle, and athleticism to slide over to defensive tackle if needed. He’s ready to make an impact early, and Belichick knew exactly what he was getting when he flipped him from the Aggies.

Mike Elko just took a major hit, now sitting with only 7 commitments in his 2026 class, including DL Jermaine Kinsler and 4-star TE Caleb Tafua. Meanwhile, UNC’s class just shot up four spots to No. 22 in the early 247Sports 2026 rankings. Trashawn Ruffin becomes the second defensive lineman in Belichick’s haul, joining DT David Jackson.

And Ruffin? He’s an absolute freak. As a junior, he wrecked offenses—34 tackles, four TFLs, a blocked field goal, and a fumble recovery—helping North Duplin steamroll through an unbeaten season before falling in round two of the NCHSAA 2A playoffs. His tape speaks for itself, and Belichick saw enough to pry him straight from the Aggies’ grasp.

Bill Belichick has already gained an advantage with Trashawn Ruffin, but he’s not stopping there. His 2026 target list? It’s way longer than you think.

Bill Belichick is targeting another 2026 recruit

Belichick’s NFL background? That’s his recruiting cheat code. He’s leveraging his reputation and his team’s expertise to pull in top talent, guys hungry to learn from a legend. We’ve already seen it pay off with recruits like ESPN 300 QB Bryce Baker, and 3-star LB Tyler Houser headlining the 2025 class, which added 19 student-athletes to the program on National Signing Day. And for 2026? The way he’s pushing to land 4-star OL Leo Delaney shows he’s making waves nationally. And that’s just scratching the surface.

And let’s not forget Zavion Griffin-Haynes, one of Belichick’s early targets. They talked about UNC’s goals and, crucially, Zavion’s NFL dreams. Griffin even dropped a photo with Belichick on X, tagging UNC Football, no caption needed.

Zavion’s take on Belichick’s program? “Just the change of the program,” Griffin-Haynes told On3’s Steve Wiltfong, “How the NFL caliber comes apart (of it) and how the program (will) grow into a championship program.” And then, Belichick himself dropped the bomb: “He told me I’m an NFL player; I gotta do what it takes to get there, and coming to UNC, he will make sure I’m in the right position too.”

Now, Zavion initially committed elsewhere, switching after Mack Brown’s supposed firing, but it looks like Belichick’s influence might just swing him back. Belichick doesn’t just talk; he walks the walk. He wants players who get the game, who make quick decisions, who execute flawlessly—just like in Foxborough. And the fact that these young recruits are buying into his philosophy? That says it all. He’s getting results. Plus, the fact that he’s even dapping up recruits at UNC basketball games at the Smith Center shows the effort is a two-way street. This ain’t just a coaching gig anymore; it’s a mission.