Lyrik Pettis Opens Up About UNC Football and His Final Six College Choices
One of the top prospects in the 2026 recruiting class, Lyrik Pettis, is making waves on the national scene with his standout play and rapidly growing list of college offers. The four-star safety from Florida recently narrowed his recruitment down to six schools, and he’s shedding light on what each program means to him — especially North Carolina.
Pettis, known for his explosive playmaking ability and high football IQ, named UNC, Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Miami, and Oregon as his final six. Each school brings something different to the table, but North Carolina has made a particularly strong impression.
“UNC just feels like home,” Pettis said in a recent interview. “The coaching staff really believes in me, and I love the direction the program is going under Coach Brown. They’ve been consistent throughout the whole process, which means a lot.”
Pettis visited Chapel Hill earlier this spring and left with a strong sense of connection to both the football culture and the academic side of the university. “It’s not just about football,” he said. “They care about who I am off the field too, and that stands out.”
The other five schools in his top six are also heavyweights in college football, and Pettis says he’s looking closely at how each program develops defensive backs and prepares them for the next level. “I’m trying to find the best fit — a place that can push me, challenge me, and help me grow as a person and a player.”
While a commitment date hasn’t been set, Pettis plans to take more visits this summer and possibly make a decision before his senior season begins. For now, he’s focused on building relationships, asking the right questions, and staying grounded.
“I’m blessed to be in this position,” Pettis said. “A lot of people dream of this, so I don’t take it for granted. I just want to make the best decision for me and my future.”
With his talent, work ethic, and mature approach to the recruiting process, Lyrik Pettis is a name to watch as the 2026 class continues to take shape — and UNC fans have every reason to be hopef
