Head coach Hubert Davis and the North Carolina Tar Heels have been working hard to ensure a strong future for their program. One of the goals for the team in the 2026 recruiting class was to secure the commitment of Deron Rippey Jr, who is the No. 17-ranked recruit in his class, according to 247Sports.
UNC looked like a team that would be a top contender for Davis and the Tar Heels. Rippey had previously stated that UNC was one of his two dream schools, but these comments were back in 2023.
“UNC and UConn are my two dream schools,” Rippey said. “It’s pretty interesting to hear from them and really exciting as well.”
Rippey’s mindset is likely not exactly the same as it was nearly two years ago. He has gone through two formative years, and as a result, he could be taking a different approach to his recruitment.
While Hubert Davis and the North Carolina Tar Heels remain in contention for Rippey, an announcement on Thursday put a roadblock in place for the team.
According to a report from insider Joe Tipton on Thursday, Deron Rippey Jr. is set to take an official visit with the Kentucky Wildcats this weekend.
“Top-20 overall recruit Deron Rippey Jr., one of the best point guards in the 2026 class, will take an official visit to Kentucky this weekend, source tells Rivals.”
Top-20 overall recruit Deron Rippey Jr., one of the best point guards in the 2026 class, will take an official visit to Kentucky this weekend, source tells @Rivals. https://t.co/kbQojqna8M https://t.co/WKesYYSDNj pic.twitter.com/C3Lh1mfyFP
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) July 31, 2025
Hubert Davis’ UNC Squad Is One of 12 Teams in Contention for Deron Rippey Jr.
Earlier this month, Deron Rippey Jr. revealed that he cut the list of schools he is considering down to 12. He had reportedly received 40 offers from different schools around the nation. The list of teams include Alabama, Duke, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Miami, North Carolina, NC State, Syracuse, Tennessee and Texas.
NEWS: 2026 Top-20 recruit Deron Rippey Jr. has cut his list to 12 schools, he tells @Rivals.
The 6-2 point guard received over 40 offers. https://t.co/xMChIONQjd pic.twitter.com/mPvtXgjNcR
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) July 15, 2025
So, it is not the end of the world for Hubert Davis and UNC that Rippey is going on an official visit to Kentucky. The team was already in the mix as one of the schools he is considering, so an official visit is not unexpected. There is a good chance he will announce official visits to other schools on the list sometime this offseason.
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