Bill Belichick offers priority Kentucky target Jarvis Strickland

Paducah (Ky.) Tilghman offensive tackle Jarvis Strickland has quickly emerged as one of the Kentucky’s top high school targets in the 2026 cycle. The Wildcats went to see the high three-star recruit twice for an in-home visit and also got the prospect on campus multiple times in January. There seems to be a chance that Strickland could become Kentucky’s first commit in the class.

But a new competitor entered the race on Friday. His name is Bill Belichick.

#AGTG Blessed to receive A offer from The University of North Carolina @lancethompson_ @NCEC_Recruiting @coachthomp9 @scoop1914 @pths_football @PTcoachWallace pic.twitter.com/UgnPPceBbr

— Jarvis Strickland jr 4⭐️ (@jarvisstrIck14) March 21, 2025

The coaching legend is now running the football program at North Carolina and is attempting to build his first full recruiting class in the 2026 cycle. Jarvis Strickland has been added to the recruiting board in Chapel Hill. The offensive tackle prospect was one of few Chattanooga natives who recently transferred to Paducah Tilghman. Former teammate Martels Carter Jr. is currently enrolled and going through spring practice at Kentucky.

Kentucky is currently the only SEC program without a commitment in the 2026 high school cycle. Could Jarvis Strickland change that? The in-state school should be considered the favorite, but Bill Belichick and North Carolina are now making a push for the offensive line recruit.

Kentucky official visit list

June 6-8

Marion (Mass.) Tabor Academy defensive lineman Marcus Almada (Unranked)

Camden (N.J.) Eastside EDGE Elijah Satchell (Unranked)

Richmond (Va.) Hermitage safety Andre Clarke Jr. (4-star, No. 172 overall)

Fort Pierce (Fla.) Westwood cornerback Jordan Crutchfield (4-star, No. 331 overall)

Bogart (Ga.) North Oconee wide receiver Dallas Dickerson (unranked)

June 13-15

Evergreen (Ala.) Hillcrest defensive back J.T. Barlow (3-star, No. 943 overall)

Rome (Ga.) High wide receiver Darnell Collins (Unranked)

Orlando (Fla.) Edgewater linebacker Justin Edwards (Unranked)

Orlando (Fla.) Jones wide receiver Larry Miles (3-star, No. 422 overall)

June 15-17

Venice (Fla.) EDGE Asharri Charles (4-star, No. 176 overall)

June 20-22

Louisville (Ky.) St. Xavier linebacker Karsten Busch (3-star, No. 474 overall | Louisville commit)

Manchester (Ga.) High cornerback Jaedyn Terry (4-star, No. 348 overall)