Bill Belichick, UNC lose 'crown jewel' in 2025 recruiting class

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Bill Belichick, UNC lose 'crown jewel' in 2025 recruiting class

Bill Belichick, UNC lose 'crown jewel' in 2025 recruiting class originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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North Carolina quarterback Bryce Baker plans to enter the transfer portal, according to On3. The Tar Heels’ quarterback room loses another talent after one season in Chapel Hill.

Baker, a true freshman, did not see game action in 2025 while serving as the backup to starter Gio Lopez. Lopez completed 65.1% of his passes for 1,747 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions as North Carolina Tar Heels finished 4-8 overall and 2-6 in ACC play in Bill Belichick’s first season as head coach.

The four-star recruit from Kernersville, Baker was considered the biggest name of North Carolina’s 2025 recruiting class. After Belichick’s hiring last December, Baker was re-recruited and publicly introduced at halftime of a Tar Heels men’s basketball game shortly after signing his letter of intent.

At 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, Baker leaves North Carolina with uncertainty behind Lopez, leaving the program’s depth chart in flux entering the offseason.

Baker starred at East Forsyth High School, where he threw for 3,523 yards and 40 touchdowns with five interceptions as a senior. He was rated the No. 87 overall prospect and No. 9 quarterback nationally in the 2025 class by the Rivals Industry Rankings.

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