Elliot Cadeau will be joining North Carolina a year earlier than originally anticipated, according to a report.

Per ESPN’s Jonthan Givony, the 5-star guard will re-classify into the class of 2023. He’s expected to enroll at North Carolina next week.

“I think I’m ready,” Cadeau told ESPN. “I think that I can play in college in a couple of months. There’s no reason to stay in high school, because I can hang with college players right now.”

Cadeau is an elite guard prospect. He was the No. 9 overall player and the No. 1 point guard in the country for the class of 2024, per 247Sports Composite rankings.

He profiles as an exceptional passer at the next level. He led the Nike EYBL circuit with 9.3 assists per game this past season.

Cadeau attends Link Academy in Branson, Missouri. He’s listed at 6-foot-1, 165 pounds. He initially chose the Tar Heels over Syracuse, Kansas, Louisville, Texas and Texas Tech.

What it means for North Carolina

He becomes the third member of North Carolina’s 2023 signing class. Assuming he retains his 5-star status as he transitions into the class of 2023, he will be the highest-ranked signee for the Tar Heels this cycle.

North Carolina has overhauled a large portion of its roster this offseason. Numerous bench players have entered the portal while starters Caleb Love, Pete Nance and Leaky Black have also moved on.

UNC’s transfer portal class includes several talented players, but it is missing a point guard to run the offense alongside RJ Davis. That could be a role that Cadeau slips into as a true freshman.

North Carolina is down to 3 commitments in the class of 2024. That group is led by 5-star forward Ian Jackson.