The North Carolina Tar Heels received more good news on Friday when the school announced that defensive back Jaiden Patterson will return to the program next season. This followed the report that defensive lineman Leroy Jackson is also set to return to Chapel Hill in 2026.
Patterson was originally recruited as a safety, but as injuries began piling up for the Tar Heels in the secondary, the true freshman stepped in as a cornerback, establishing himself as one of the most consistent corners on the roster.
In his first collegiate season, Patterson recorded five pass breakups, one interception, and 34 tackles in 12 games this past season.
What This Means for North Carolina
The Tar Heels’ 2026 recruitment class is filled with four-star recruits at multiple positions, including cornerback Kenton Dopson. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound corner was ranked as the No. 14 player at his position, choosing North Carolina over programs, such as Penn State, Texas, and Florida.
Patterson and Dopson III could transform into one of the top defensive back tandems in the country if both continue to develop as the season progresses. That is a long way from now, but the Tar Heels should be thrilled about this news…