Chad Fairchild is a Pirate despite offers from the Power 5
East Carolina has secured one of its most notable defensive commitments in the 2026 class with the addition of Chad Fairchild, a linebacker from Lovejoy High School in Hampton, Georgia.
Fairchild, listed at 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds, gave his verbal commitment to the Pirates following an official visit to campus over the weekend. He received his offer from ECU in late January, but it was his time in Greenville from June 12-14 that solidified the decision. The visit allowed Fairchild to connect with the staff in person, including first-year defensive coordinator Josh Aldridge, who had recruited him previously during his time at Auburn.
A versatile and physical linebacker, Fairchild attracted national interest throughout the spring. He held over a dozen Power Five offers, including from NC State, Georgia Tech, Mississippi State, Kansas, Maryland, Indiana, South Carolina, Duke, Wake Forest, Boston College, UCF, Oregon State, and Pittsburgh. That type of attention speaks to his range, athleticism, and leadership on the field. Known for his ability to play downhill and cover ground sideline-to-sideline, Fairchild has been a multi-sport standout at Lovejoy and brings a high floor to the position.
Fairchild becomes the latest high-upside defender to join ECU’s 2026 class. He’s the second major target to commit following the program’s mid-June official visit weekend, joining Richmond (N.C.) three-star EDGE Terande Spencer. The Pirates also landed a commitment from South Carolina defensive tackle Kelton Smith, giving ECU a strong early foundation along its defensive front seven.
The commitment of Fairchild also reinforces ECU’s growing presence in the state of Georgia, a recruiting priority for both Aldridge and head coach Blake Harrell. The Pirates have continued to focus on tough, physical, and athletic defenders in this class, and Fairchild fits that mold perfectly. His addition strengthens a group that’s quickly shaping up to be one of the most complete defensive hauls ECU has had in recent years.