CHARLOTTE, NC – One of the most electrifying defensive talents in the 2026 recruiting class has officially narrowed down his college choices, and while the list includes four powerhouse programs, one unexpected program has crashed the party.
Five-star EDGE rusher Rodney Dunham, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound wrecking ball from Myers Park High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, has named his top five schools—and to the surprise of many, the Duke Blue Devils have emerged as a serious contender alongside Notre Dame, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Georgia.
Dunham is a game-changing defensive force, ranked as the No. 3 EDGE rusher, the No. 3 overall player in North Carolina, and the No. 19 prospect in the country, according to 247Sports’ Composite Rankings. A relentless pass-rusher with freakish athleticism, Dunham has drawn comparisons to some of the most dominant defenders in recent recruiting classes.
A Two-Sport Phenom with Elite Upside
Dunham isn’t just an elite football prospect—he’s also a highly touted baseball player. Ranked No. 294 nationally by Perfect Game, the gifted right-handed pitcher has reportedly thrown over 90 mph, making him a legitimate two-sport collegiate prospect.
While football is expected to be his primary focus, Dunham has expressed interest in playing both sports at the next level. This adds another layer of intrigue to his recruitment, as only select programs have the infrastructure to support dual-sport athletes at an elite level.
Duke’s Stunning Inclusion: Can the Blue Devils Pull Off a Recruiting Miracle?
It’s no surprise to see SEC giants Georgia and Tennessee or national power Notre Dame on Dunham’s list. South Carolina, with its rising program under Shane Beamer, also makes sense. But Duke’s presence is what turns heads.
Historically, the Blue Devils haven’t been major players in recruiting battles of this magnitude. From 2020 to 2024, they failed to land a single top-50 class. However, under new head coach Manny Diaz, Duke is showing signs of a major recruiting resurgence.
After three straight seasons with at least eight wins, including nine-win campaigns in 2022 and 2024, Duke’s program is gaining momentum in the ACC. Diaz made an immediate impact, securing the No. 32 ranked recruiting class in 2025, a significant leap from previous years. If the Blue Devils can somehow land Dunham, it would mark one of the biggest recruiting upsets in program history.
The Competition: Heavyweights in the Mix
While Duke has a geographic advantage, so do South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee, all of which sit within a comfortable distance of Dunham’s hometown.
- Tennessee has aggressively pursued Dunham, hosting him three times in the past year, showcasing their dedication to securing his commitment.
- South Carolina has also hosted Dunham on visits, and with Shane Beamer’s fast-rising program, the Gamecocks are a serious dark horse in this race.
- Georgia, a perennial College Football Playoff contender, is the most dominant program on his list. The Bulldogs have a track record of developing defensive superstars, and their presence alone makes them a massive threat in this battle.
- Notre Dame remains a wildcard. While the Irish don’t have the geographical advantage, they have one of the most storied programs in college football history and a proven ability to develop NFL talent.
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What’s Next? A Battle for One of the Nation’s Best
With his top five officially set, Dunham is expected to take official visits to each of his finalists in the coming months. Given his three previous visits to Tennessee, the Vols may currently have an edge, but South Carolina and Duke also hold key leverage.
For Manny Diaz and Duke, this recruitment represents an opportunity to prove they can go toe-to-toe with the nation’s best. If they can somehow pull off the unthinkable and land Dunham, it would signal a new era of recruiting in Durham.
For now, the race is wide open, and one of the top defenders in America is keeping the college football world on edge.
