Top 3 landing spots for 2026 class TE Kendre Harrison ft. North Carolina 

Reidsville, North Carolina native Kendre Harrison is one of the nation’s most coveted athletes in the 2026 class. The five-star tight end has received over 40 college offers, combining his talents in both basketball and football.

He has narrowed down his list to his top six: North Carolina, Oregon, Penn State, Tennessee, Miami and Florida State.

There is not yet a date set for Harrison’s commitment. He has made it clear that his decision will not come in 2024 but sometime in 2025. He is the No. 6 overall in the 2026 cycle, the No. 1 tight end and the No. 2 prospect in North Carolina, according to 247 Sports.

Let's see which three programs can earn his pledge.

Top-3 programs competing for Kendre Harrison's commitment

#3 Oregon

Harrison has not yet visited Oregon, but he plans to do so at the end of the month. The Ducks coaching staff have already made a big impression on the prospect from afar.

"Oregon is a standout program and they do a lot of things with the tight end," Harrison told Rivals. "Definitely the relationship I have with the coaches there is unbelievable. I haven't been down there yet, but it's one of the schools I talk to the most out of every offer I have."

Oregon currently have only four-star defensive lineman Tony Cumberland committed to the 2026 class.

#2 Tennessee

Tennessee has been a consistent presence in Harrison's recruitment.

"My relationship with them is amazing. I love Knoxville and being up there," Harrison said.

Harrison has developed strong ties with head coach Josh Heupel, offensive coordinator Joey Halzle and tight end coach Alec Abeln.

"I have a great relationship with coach Abeln. I was there on his birthday. Coach Heuepel is changing the program around. They've got a great couple of quarterbacks there."

The Tennessee quarterback's situation is also appealing to Harrison. The presence of 2025 class quarterback George MacIntyre and 2023 class quarterback Nico Iamaleava represents a promising future for the Volunteers.

Harrison is looking for a school with great quarterbacks who can put him in advantageous positions and be good teammates, which perfectly aligns with the Vols.

The prospect also raved about the Ducks' tight end room.

"They have history with tight ends, they develop players well and I feel they could develop me there," he told On3.

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Tennessee has a 16.8% chance to earn Harrison's pledge.

1.North Carolina

North Carolina holds a special place in Harrison's heart as a native of the state. When being hosted in Chapel Hill, he was not only impressed by the football program under head coach Mack Brown but also received a basketball scholarship offer from Tar Heels' head coach Hubert Davis.

"Just having the opportunity to play basketball and football at an amazing program," Harrison told Rivals.

“It is a chance for me to stay home if I go to North Carolina," Harrison told On3. "It is a great opportunity for me to play both sports too. I have real relationships with both coach Mack Brown and coach Hubert Davis too.

This dual-sport opportunity aligns with Harrison's mission, as he wants to excel in both football and basketball, much like past dual-sport stars like Julius Peppers.

"Coach Hubert Davis and Coach Mack Brown offering me in basketball is definitely an amazing opportunity. It's an amazing time in my life and it's something I'll never forget -- how they did it and that they showed a lot of love."

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, North Carolina has 37.8% to secure Harrison's pledge.