The NC State football program is gearing up for an important recruiting push as one of its top targets, defensive lineman Brian Harris, is scheduled for an official visit in mid-June. Harris, a 6-foot-4, 290-pound prospect out of Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Florida, has already committed to Maryland for the 2026 recruiting class. However, NC State’s coaching staff hopes to change his mind by making a strong impression during his visit to Raleigh.
Harris, currently ranked as a composite three-star recruit, has seen his stock rise rapidly thanks to a dominant performance on the field for Mandarin High. Last season, he amassed 32 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 9 quarterback hurries, 7 pass deflections, and 3 forced fumbles, proving his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. His versatility as both a defensive tackle and edge rusher has made him a highly sought-after recruit.
This standout season caught the attention of several college programs, and Harris now boasts a long list of scholarship offers. Among the teams vying for his commitment are high-profile programs such as Penn State, Ole Miss, South Carolina, and Stanford. NC State became a serious contender for his services in late January when they officially extended an offer to the Florida native.
Despite his verbal commitment to Maryland since early August, Harris has made it clear that he is still open to exploring other options. His decision to schedule official visits to multiple schools, including NC State, signals that he is taking a thorough approach to his recruitment. His NC State visit is set to begin on June 13, marking a pivotal moment for the Wolfpack’s coaching staff.
The timing of the visit comes at a critical point in the recruiting cycle, as Harris is making his rounds to other schools before finalizing his decision. His scheduled visits include West Virginia on June 6, South Carolina on June 20, and Stanford on May 30. The Wolfpack staff is working hard to stand out among these top-tier programs in hopes of flipping Harris’ commitment from Maryland.
NC State’s recruiting efforts under head coach Dave Doeren have been strong, and the program is currently ranked No. 42 overall in the 2026 recruiting class, according to 247Sports. With a focus on bolstering their defensive line, the Wolfpack see Harris as a key piece to their future success. Harris’ combination of size, strength, and explosiveness would make him an ideal fit for the defensive system in Raleigh.
The NC State staff is no stranger to successful recruiting efforts in Florida, and the team has built strong relationships with top prospects in the region. With assistant coaches like defensive line coach Kevin Wiles and other key recruiters, the Wolfpack will look to showcase their program’s strengths during Harris’ visit. The staff is confident they can present a compelling case for why Harris should switch to NC State.
However, flipping a committed prospect is never an easy task, especially when that prospect already has an established relationship with another program. Maryland will undoubtedly put up a strong fight to keep Harris in their class, and the competition will only get fiercer as the recruitment process continues. Penn State and Ole Miss, in particular, are also strong contenders in the race to land him.
For Harris, the decision will come down to which program offers the best fit for his development as both a player and an individual. The Wolfpack have the opportunity to show him how their coaching staff, facilities, and culture can provide the support he needs to reach his full potential. During his visit, Harris will have the chance to tour the campus, meet with coaches and players, and get a feel for what life would be like at NC State.
Beyond the football aspect, Harris is also weighing the academic opportunities at each program. As a highly intelligent and driven student-athlete, Harris is looking for a school that will challenge him both on the field and in the classroom. NC State’s reputation for academic excellence, combined with its football program’s growing success, makes it a strong contender in its recruitment.
As the summer approaches and Harris’ visit dates draw closer, all eyes will be on his decision-making process. The outcome of his official visit to NC State will likely be a key turning point in his recruitment. The Wolfpack are hoping that their pitch will be enough to persuade Harris to reexamine his commitment to Maryland and consider joining their defensive line group in the coming years.
With the 2026 recruiting class shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years, NC State’s efforts to secure a flip of Brian Harris could be a game-changer. If they are successful in landing him, it would be a significant victory for Doeren and his staff, further establishing NC State as a rising force in college football recruiting.
In the world of college football recruiting, flips like this are often the difference between a good class and a great one. For NC State, the stakes are high, and the visit from Brian Harris could prove to be one of the most pivotal moments in their 2026 recruiting class.