5-Star Dylan Mingo Recruiting Update: Decision Timeline Shift and Who’s Leading the Race

Long Island Lutheran’s own Dylan Mingo, a consensus five-star guard and one of the most coveted prospects in the Class of 2026, has once again put college basketball fans and programs on high alert. Ranked as high as No. 6 nationally, the 6-foot-5 combo guard from Glen Head, New York has trimmed his list to four finalists: Baylor, North Carolina, Penn State, and Washington.

Originally poised to end his recruiting saga with a commitment announcement on Thursday, January 22, Mingo instead pushed back his decision to later this month. He confirmed the change in plans, saying his announcement “got pushed back a bit.”

Why the Delay Matters

Delaying his commitment has added intrigue to an already tight race and gives Mingo more time to weigh his options, something that could be beneficial for programs still jockeying for position. Some analysts believe the extra time could help UNC re-calibrate and make a stronger push, especially after hosting Mingo for an official visit late in 2025.

The Contenders

Here’s a snapshot of where things stand among his four finalists:

• Baylor: The Bears as the favorite to land Mingo’s commitment. Strong relationship building and early momentum in his recruitment.

• North Carolina:The Tar Heels remain serious contenders. UNC coaches have stayed actively involved, even attending Mingo’s games, and the program made a strong impression during his official visit. Delay in his decision could give UNC a key opportunity to capitalize if momentum swings in their favor.

• Penn State: There’s a compelling family connection here: Dylan’s older brother, Kayden Mingo, is already playing for the Nittany Lions in the Big Ten. That dynamic could be a factor in keeping Penn State firmly in the mix. 

• Washington: The Huskies continue to recruit Mingo aggressively and are considered “in the thick of the race,” though recent chatter has suggested their position isn’t as strong as Baylor or UNC at this stage.

What’s Next?

While Mingo hasn’t set a new firm date yet, most expect his choice to come before the end of January 2026. His eventual decision will be one of the biggest headlines of this recruiting cycle, with impact reaching far beyond just his new team, shaping recruiting classes and future roster building in the ACC, Big 12, and Big Ten alike.

Written by Alex Karamanos | January 22, 2026