Kevin Thomas, a four-star recruit who initially signed with LSU but decommitted in March, has now committed to head coach Michael Malone and UNC.

Thomas, a 6-foot-6 wing from Fort Lauderdale, FL, committed to and signed with LSU last fall. But following the Tigers’ firing of head coach Matt McMahon, Thomas was granted a release from his letter of intent and reopened his recruitment. He arrived in Chapel Hill for a visit Tuesday before committing the next day. 247 Sports ranks Thomas as the No. 79 overall player in the recruiting class of 2026.

“Thomas is a high-level athlete with good size on the wing,” writes Adam Finkelstein, Director of Scouting for 247 Sports. “He’s a dynamic transition finisher who doesn’t just ride-up quickly, but with force. While his leaping ability is his calling card, he’s not unskilled. He’s an improved shooter, who can now make open shots to the arc when he has room and rhythm, but gets streaky when he falls forward into his shot or lets his left shoulder dip.”

Notably, Thomas was teammates with UNC transfer portal commit Matt Able at Fort Lauderdale’s Sagemont Prep. While Able has signed the paperwork to be a Tar Heel next season, the rising sophomore wing is still participating in the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. Players who wish to retain college eligibility have until May 27 to remove their names from the NBA Draft.

Thomas is the third incoming true freshman who will be joining the Tar Heels for the 2026-27 season. He joins forward Maximo Adams and guard Malloy Smith. For a full list of the newcomers joining UNC next season, click here.

 

Featured image via Todd Melet

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