UNC Lands CJ Sadler, Michigan’s Top Recruit

Top-125 prospect C.J. Sadler turned months of speculation into reality on Friday, announcing his commitment to North Carolina. The four-star athlete chose the Tar Heels over Colorado, Maryland, and Michigan.

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Following his official visit to Chapel Hill on June 6, word quickly spread that the Tar Heels had surged well ahead of the competition. Sadler, a 5-foot-9, 185-pounder from Detroit (Mich.) Cass Technical High, also took officials to Colorado and Maryland.

Sadler becomes UNC’s highest-ranked commitment of this class, surpassing Keeyun Chapman. The Rivals Industry Ranking ranks Sadler as the top prospect in Michigan, as well as the No. 123 recruit and No. 6 athlete in the nation.

UNC’s class consists of 36 commitments and ranks No. 19 in the 2026 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

Sadler did a little bit of everything for Cass Tech High as a junior, including completing all 11 of his pass attempts for 180 yards and three touchdowns. But his greatest impacts were at receiver and cornerback. He led the Technicians in receiving with 51 catches for 828 yards and nine touchdowns. Defensively, he was credited with 46 tackles, a sack, and an interception.