2025 4-star OT Alex Payne commits to North Carolina

Gainesville (Ga.) four-star offensive tackle Alex Payne has committed to North Carolina.

He chose the Tar Heels while also holding offers from the likes of Florida State, Duke, Penn State, Baylor and Kentucky.

Payne is the No. 261 overall prospect and No. 20 OT in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 31 player in Georgia.

The 6-foot-5, 260-pounder took a pair of trips to Chapel Hill in June and October. He’s now the fifth recruit to pledge to Mack Brown and Co. in the 2025 cycle.

Tar Heels building solid 2025 recruiting class

Payne is the highest-ranked commit in UNC’s 2025 class — which now ranks No. 18 in the nation, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. That’s also good for the No. 5 class in the ACC, behind Florida State, Clemson, Miami and SMU.

Payne is also the first commitment of 2024 for the Tar Heels. Kernersville (N.C.) East Forsyth four-star quarterback Bryce Baker was the first to join the fold, pledging back on June 27. He’s the No. 334 overall recruit and No. 24 signal-caller in the cycle. Baker was impressive at the All-American Bowl Combine earlier this month.

“North Carolina-committed 2025 QB Bryce Baker was another passer that impressed on Friday,” wrote On3’s Sam Spiegelman. “Baker has a smooth delivery and was very accurate throwing downfield on routes in the short field. At 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, the future Tar Heel is very twitchy throwing the rock.”

Cary (N.C.) three-star offensive tackle Trey Blue is the other in-state commit in UNC’s junior class, as of Jan. 17. Arlington Heights (Ill.) John Hersey three-star tight end Logan Farrell and Harrisburg (Pa.) McDonogh EDGE Kamden Laudenslager round out the Tar Heels’ class.