One of the Tar Heels biggest needs in the 2026 recruiting cycle is running back and over the past couple of days, the team has landed official visits with two of the top backs in the class.
Earlier this week, it was 2026 4✮ RB Damon Ferguson who revealed he has set an official visit in Chapel Hill and he was joined by 4✮ RB Messiah Mickens on Friday night.
Mickens, who is currently committed to Penn State, announced via social media that he will be taking an official visit to Chapel Hill June 20-22. The Tar Heels join the Nittany Lions (May 30-June 2) and Notre Dame (no specified date) as those that are scheduled to host him for an official visit this summer.
Mickens, the No. 169 overall prospect and No. 13 running back in the 2026 class according to 247Sports Composite Player Rankings,hails from Harrisburg High School in Harrisburg, PA. In 14 games this past year as a junior, he ran for 1,215 yards and 21 touchdowns on 155 carries and caught 17 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns. The prior season, he carried the ball 105 times for 961 yards and 14 touchdowns and caught 13 passes for 173 yards and three touchdowns in eleven games. He first jumped onto the scene in 2022 as a freshman when he ran for 1,078 yards and 19 touchdowns on 136 carries and hauled in 16 passes for 200 yards in 14 games.
Landing this official visit is a huge step for the Tar Heels and shows that they are a serious contender alongside the two favorites for Mickens. Penn State holds the hometown advantage and he has a strong relationship with Notre Dame running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider, so there is going to be some work to do if the Tar Heels are going to overcome them.