2025 QB Au'Tori Newkirk commits to North Carolina

Norfolk (Va.) Maury three-star quarterback Au’Tori Newkirk has committed to North Carolina, he announced on Tuesday.

Newkirk chose the Tar Heels over offers from Temple, Toledo, and UMass.

The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder is the No. 1679 overall prospect in the 2025 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He ranks as the nation’s No. 101 quarterback and No. 45 player in the state of Virginia.

He joins four-star passer Bryce Baker as the two quarterbacks in UNC’s first class signed by new head coach Bill Belichick.

#AGTG pic.twitter.com/0TUorxWNAo

— Au’Tori Newkirk (@torinewkirk_) January 21, 2025

Across his final two seasons at the high school level, he led Maury High to back-to-back undefeated seasons and Virginia Class 5 state championships. Newkirk was named the VHSL Offensive Player of the Year in both years, totaling 8,838 yards and 114 touchdowns while completing 72.5 percent of his passes.

This fall, Newkirk racked up 3,802 yards and 50 touchdowns while completing 76.5 percent (225-of-294) of his passes. He also rushed for 603 yards and six rushing touchdowns.

In October, On3 Director of Recruiting Charles Power included him on a list of quarterbacks who could ultimately outplay their recruitments based on the schools that were pursuing them at the time.

“A strong-armed lefty, Newkirk has the ability to stretch the field and deliver with touch to different levels,” wrote Power. “He also shows good feel and movement within the pocket. Newkirk is 23-0 as a starter at Maury over the past two seasons and is very young for the cycle, not turning 18 years old until the fall of his freshman year of college.”