Dylan Mingo: Age| Ranking| Brother| Crystal Ball| Injury

Introduction

In the world of high school basketball recruiting, Dylan Mingo stands out as one of the most intriguing prospects in the Class of 2026. A versatile combo guard hailing from Long Island Lutheran High School in New York, Mingo has captured national attention for his size, skill set, athleticism, and ability to impact every facet of the game. As he commits to one of the most storied programs in college basketball — the University of North Carolina Tar Heels — his story is emerging as one of the most closely followed among top recruits.

This comprehensive article explores Dylan Mingo’s age, ranking, brother, Crystal Ball predictions, injury updates, and more — offering fans, analysts, and recruiters an all-in-one resource on his journey to the next level.

Who Is Dylan Mingo?

Dylan Mingo is an American high school basketball player and five-star recruit from Farmingdale, New York. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing approximately 190 pounds, Mingo is known for his positional versatility, impressive wingspan, and high basketball IQ.

Mingo plays as a combo guard — capable of playing both point guard and shooting guard — which makes him a coveted asset for college programs seeking backcourt versatility. His performance in elite showcases and summer circuits has helped catapult him into blue-chip status among the nation’s top recruits.

Age, Physical Profile & Stats

As of early 2026, Dylan Mingo is 16 years old, born on October 6, 2008.

Physical Attributes

• Height: 6’5″

• Weight: ~190 lbs

• Wingspan: ~6’9″+

• Position: Guard (combo guard capable of leading the offense or playing off the ball)

These tools give Mingo the ability to defend multiple positions, make plays for teammates, and contribute immediately at the next level. His wingspan, in particular, sets him apart from many prospects at his position.

National Recruiting Rankings

One of the major talking points surrounding Mingo is his elite national ranking:

• 247Sports Composite: Top 5 overall in the Class of 2026

• Rivals: Ranked among the top point guards and top overall players nationally

• ESPN SC Next 100: Ranked in the top 10 nationally

Different scouting services vary slightly in their exact placement, but all agree that Mingo is universally an elite talent — consistently appearing in the top echelon of 2026 recruits. His combination of size, playmaking, defense, and scoring versatility makes him a top target for major college programs.

Commitment to the University of North Carolina

On February 17, 2026, Dylan Mingo made official his commitment to North Carolina Tar Heels men’s basketball for the 2026 class, choosing the storied program over top schools including Penn State Nittany Lions men’s basketball, Baylor Bears men’s basketball, and Washington Huskies men’s basketball.

Mingo announced his decision live on ESPN’s “First Take,” expressing that UNC felt like the best fit due to its family-like atmosphere and championship pedigree.

This commitment represents a significant recruiting victory for head coach Hubert Davis, as Mingo’s presence immediately elevates UNC’s incoming class and adds a dynamic perimeter playmaker to Chapel Hill’s future lineup.

Family and Brother (Kayden Mingo)

Basketball talent runs in the Mingo family. Dylan has two brothers — Dalique and Kayden, both of whom have played basketball.

Kayden Mingo

• Older brother who played basketball and has been involved in the college recruiting scene.

• Kayden was a four-star prospect earlier in his high school career; at one point Dylan and Kayden were teammates at Long Island Lutheran.

• Kayden has spent time playing at the collegiate level, including at Penn State, and this added an interesting dimension to Dylan’s recruitment since one potential destination was joining his brother.

Dylan ultimately decided to forge his own path, choosing UNC over Penn State despite the opportunity to play with his brother.

Crystal Ball Predictions During Recruitment

“Crystal Ball” predictions — forecast models by recruiting analysts — were an intriguing aspect of Mingo’s recruitment. Early in the process, some projections had linked him with Baylor or even Penn State to follow his brother, but as the process evolved, UNC emerged as the frontrunner.

Although Crystal Ball percentages varied between services and changed over time, a few clear trends emerged:

• Baylor was often favored early due to program fit and historical success with guards.

• Penn State projections were buoyed by the family connection with Kayden Mingo.

• UNC gained strong momentum late, ultimately securing the commitment.

This shift demonstrated the impact of program culture, player development opportunities, and Mingo’s personal priorities — such as playing in a system that values perimeter play and winning tradition.

Injury History & Impact

Like many elite young athletes, Mingo has faced injury challenges during his high school career — though none have derailed his long-term outlook:

• He missed much of his high school season due to an ankle injury that limited his time on the court.

• Mingo also sat out of the Peach Jam due to injury, which impacted his summer circuit exposure.

Despite these setbacks, scouts still regard him as a top-10 national talent because of his performance when healthy, particularly his impressive summer camp showings and EYBL performances.

UNC coaching staff and trainers will prioritize his long-term health, but as of now, Mingo appears on track to be fully healthy entering his college freshman season.

Skills & Playing Style

What makes Mingo stand out?

Playmaking

• Excellent ball handler capable of creating for himself and teammates.

• Smooth decision-making in transition and half-court sets.

Defense

• Length and versatility allow him to guard multiple positions.

• Active hands and anticipation make him a disruptive defender.

Scoring Ability

• Can score at all three levels — off the dribble, in mid-range, and attacking the rim.

• Outside shooting shows flashes, though it remains an area for further consistency.

What’s Next for Dylan Mingo

After committing to North Carolina, Mingo will officially enroll in the fall and begin preparations for his freshman season. Expectations are high: analysts project him as a potential future NBA draft pick, with a ceiling that could place him in contention for first-round consideration within a couple of years.

At UNC, Mingo will join a program known for producing NBA talent and competing deep into the NCAA Tournament. His growth in college — especially in strength, shooting consistency, decision-making, and defensive intensity — will determine how quickly he becomes a focal point in Chapel Hill’s rotation.

SEO Boosting Facts to Know

Here are quick, SEO-friendly highlights to make your page stand out:

• Nationally ranked top-10 recruit in 2026 class

• Committed to UNC over Baylor, Washington, Penn State

• Brother also a college basketball player

• Injury history yet still elite prospect

• Versatile combo guard with NBA potential

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How old is Dylan Mingo?

Dylan Mingo was born on October 6, 2008, making him 16 years old as of 2026.

What is Mingo’s current recruiting ranking?

He is rated among the top 5 nationally in the Class of 2026 by the 247Sports Composite, with additional high rankings from Rivals and ESPN.

Does Dylan Mingo have a brother?

Yes. Dylan has two brothers, including Kayden Mingo, who played college basketball at Penn State.

Was Dylan Mingo injured?

He missed part of his high school season due to an ankle injury and sat out some summer events as well, but he remains healthy and highly sought after by top college programs.

Did Crystal Ball predictions affect his choice?

Various Crystal Ball predictions initially pointed to Baylor or Penn State, but late-stage momentum favored UNC, where he ultimately committed.