North Carolina QB Hamrick is UVA’s first commit for 2026 class

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Virginia has added its first commitment to its recruiting class of 2026 in quarterback Ely Hamrick of AC Reynolds High School in Asheville, N.C.

Hamrick announced his commitment Monday on social media and said he chose UVA over Kentucky and Appalachian State. He also held offers from ECU, Toledo and Charlotte. The Cavaliers offered him on June 2.

The 3-star is listed at 6-foot-4, 215 pounds by national recruiting sites, but the Asheville Citizen-Times newspaper has him at 6-5, 225. Hamrick transferred to Reynolds prior to his junior season after having spent the previous two years at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.

During his sophomore season, playing for one of IMG’s reserve teams, Hamrick threw for 1,244 yards, 18 touchdowns and no interceptions, completing 79 of 134 passes (59 percent) in nine games. He also rushed 15 times for 88 yards and four TDs.

So far this season for the Reynolds Rockets (1-3 start), he has passed for 682 yards, five TDs and has been intercepted once, completing 50 of 97 attempts, while rushing for 142 yards and two scores.

Rivals has him rated as the No. 24 overall prospect in the state of North Carolina, while 247Sports composite has him ranked No. 23.

🏠 #gohoos ⚔️@ACR_Football @CoachShaneLaws pic.twitter.com/W7V3NLTKES

— Ely Hamrick 2026 QB (@ElyHamrickQB) September 16, 2024