Tensions flared between North Carolina and Oregon this week after five-star recruit Kendre Harrison, the nation’s No. 1 tight end in the 2026 class, trolled UNC fans with an April Fools’ prank. The Reidsville, North Carolina, native—also a top-tier basketball prospect—committed to Oregon last November, bypassing UNC, Tennessee, Miami and Penn State.
Despite playing just an hour from Chapel Hill, Harrison said he chose Oregon because of “strong relationships with the coaching staff and their vision for my development.” His latest antics only deepened frustrations among Tar Heel supporters still reeling from his decision.
Mocking the Heels: Kendre Harrison’s Oregon Prank Fires Up UNC Fans
Kendre Harrison, the No. 1 tight end in the 2026 class and a five-star recruit, added more fuel to his tense relationship with North Carolina fans after an April Fools’ Day stunt that reignited backlash. The Reidsville (N.C.) standout—who also holds elite basketball prospects—has been committed to Oregon since November. But on April 1, he stirred the pot with a prank on Instagram.
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Harrison posted a story showing himself in a North Carolina uniform with the message,
“I’m coming home.”
Moments later, he followed up with another photo—this time standing on a UNC shirt with the caption:
“Nah, lemme chill 🤣 Sco Ducks 4L baby 🦆.”
The joke didn’t land well in Chapel Hill. His decision to play out west was already tough for Tar Heel fans to digest. After all, Harrison plays just an hour away at Reidsville High School, and his interest in playing basketball made UNC—a school known for its storied hoops legacy—a natural choice.
Harrison visited Chapel Hill in late January and met with newly hired coaching legend Bill Belichick. Speculation swirled that Belichick’s arrival might shift the tide, but Harrison dismissed the idea.
“1000000% locked in with Oregon,” he stated.
He later cut ties with all other programs, doubling down on his commitment. Still, the April 1 stunt reopened wounds. One fan wrote,
“Chapel Bill won’t forget.”
Another added, “Bill doesn’t deserve this.”
A more pointed comment read,
“Why the f would anyone do this? Reflects not on Belichick but on someone who’s not yet ready to be a champion teammate until he matures.”
KEEP READING: North Carolina 2025 Football Schedule: How Far Will Bill Belichick’s Squad Go?
Harrison has maintained a low profile since shutting down his recruitment in March. His loyalty to the Ducks hasn’t wavered, but his online antics clearly struck a nerve with Tar Heel Nation.
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