Bill Belichick is back in the spotlight! But this time, it’s not on Sundays. With his son, Steve Belichick, calling the shots as defensive coordinator, the Tar Heels are starting to feel like an NFL pipeline in the making. Moreover, he’s built a brain trust packed with football IQ—Bob Diaco, Frantzy Jourdain, and Billy Miller are all on board. The buzz is real: Bill Belichick just landed major recruiting news tied to an elite prospect. So, while the GOAT is moving differently, CFB better take notice.

It’s safe to say, Bill Belichick’s recruiting era at UNC is off to a blazing start. Commitments are already rolling in after his first official visit weekend. Well, on Sunday, 4-star Mississippi athlete O’Mari Johnson gave the Tar Heels his pledge before even leaving Chapel Hill. But why? The visit made a lasting impression—and so did Belichick. As of now, with one weekend down, the Tar Heels are stacking momentum fast. And the message is clear: this is a new era in Carolina football, and recruits are buying in.

However, ranked No. 7 among athletes by Rivals, O’Mari Johnson had options. Mississippi State wanted to keep him in-state. On top of that, Tulane made a strong push. But in the end, North Carolina sealed the deal—and it’s a big one for the Tar Heels. Right now, Johnson, expected to suit up on defense, made his loyalty loud and clear, writing, “1000% Committed.” Looks like Carolina’s recruiting power is real—and it’s rising fast. And why not? Simply put, if you want to be NFL-ready, you need to learn from the best.

Here, recruits know Belichick’s system breeds pros. His football IQ, attention to detail, and reputation for developing talent make him a magnet for ambitious athletes. And for many, playing under Belichick means one step closer to Sundays. Look, Belichick isn’t just a coach—he’s a walking NFL playbook. Right now, with six Super Bowl titles and decades of dominance under his belt, his name carries weight in every football room. Let’s be real; as he’s stepped into the college scene at UNC, elite prospects are starting to take notice.

You know, O’Mari Johnson felt the pull of Chapel Hill stronger with every visit. “North Care gave me a sense of security,” said the standout ATH after committing. Not only this, but the campus, the culture, the opportunity—it all just clicked. Johnson believes UNC is where he’ll be molded into both a standout athlete and a top-tier student.

However, since Belichick stepped foot in Chapel Hill, O’Mari Johnson’s interest has only grown. And after two visits—his final being an official one with his entire family—the four-star ATH was sold. “To play for one of the greatest coaches of all time is an honor,” said O’Mari. That being said, Johnson’s all in, ready to learn, grow, and give UNC everything he’s got.

However, in landing O’Mari Johnson, Bill Belichick didn’t just score a major win—he also left a powerhouse feeling the sting. That team? Brian Kelly’s LSU. Well, the Tigers were in the mix, but Belichick’s presence and vision at UNC sealed the deal. You can say, it’s a tough loss for LSU, but a massive statement for the Tar Heels.

If not Bill Belichick, then who lands a 4-star like O’Mari Johnson?

O’Mari Johnson is flying up the 2026 ranks, cementing himself as one of the nation’s top wideouts. However, the Mississippi standout has caught the eye of CFB’s elite after a monster junior season. Well, LSU, Arkansas, Ole Miss, and FSU were all in the mix. But among them, Brian Kelly’s Tigers were making their move with a key spring visit lined up.

On top of that, O’Mari Johnson lined up official visits to Baton Rouge, Arkansas, Tulane, Mississippi State, and Missouri, according to Rivals.com. And the highly sought-after prospect wasted no time locking in his travel schedule, with top programs eager to make their pitch. Among them, LSU quickly emerged as a serious contender. Then, with visits on the horizon, the Bayou Bengals looked poised to make a lasting impression.

But now, Brian Kelly is left with disappointment. Despite LSU locking in six early pledges and sitting with a Top-10 class in the 2026 cycle, it wasn’t enough to sway O’Mari Johnson. Although the Tigers made their pitch, the four-star ATH had other plans. Instead, he chose to roll with the legend—Bill Belichick. And just like that, LSU watched a top target slip through their fingers.