Five-Star Ryan Carter Commits to North Carolina, Giving Tar Heels Another Elite 2027 Guard

North Carolina’s 2027 recruiting class added another major piece Monday when five-star guard Ryan Carter committed to the Tar Heels. The 6-foot Friends’ Central School standout chose UNC over a finalist group that included Notre Dame, Texas A&M, Duke and Indiana. Carter is ranked No. 13 in ESPN’s 2027 class and gives Courtney Banghart another elite perimeter prospect just days after No. 6 Micah Ojo committed to North Carolina.

Carter brings more than a recruiting ranking. She averaged 17.1 points and 7.4 rebounds last season while helping Friends’ Central win its first PAISAA championship, then added international experience with USA Basketball’s gold-medal-winning U18 team. Her game has expanded beyond scoring, with Carter taking on more lead-guard responsibilities while maintaining the size and defensive versatility to cover multiple perimeter positions.

The larger story is what UNC is building. Landing Carter so soon after Ojo gives the Tar Heels two top-15 talents in the same 2027 class and creates the foundation for one of the nation’s strongest future backcourts. Banghart has now stacked multiple high-level recruiting wins across consecutive classes, and Carter’s decision strengthens UNC’s ability to compete with the traditional powers for the remaining elite prospects on the board.