North Carolina 4-star QB commit Bryce Baker reportedly set to meet with new Tar Heels HC Bill Belichick

Kernersville (N.C.) East Forsyth four-star quarterback Bryce Baker remains committed to North Carolina, though Penn State and LSU have both worked hard to flip him at the end of his recruitment.

Baker did not back off his pledge to the Tar Heels upon the announcement that head coach Mack Brown was not returning to Chapel Hill in 2025. The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder instead opted to wait and see who UNC appointed to replace Brown before making a final decision.

On Wednesday, legendary NFL head coach and six-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick was tabbed as the new skipper. Keeping Baker in the Tar Heels’ 2025 recruiting class will be a top priority for Belichick and the new staff, and according to ESPN’s Eli Ledereman, Belichick and Baker are scheduled to talk on a call on Thursday night.

“He knows about Coach Belichick and any kid would be excited to play for a coach that’s won six Super Bowls and of course his connections to the NFL,” Baker’s father Michael told On3’s Steve Wiltfong on Wednesday. 

“It will be exciting to talk to him. See where Bryce fits in with the plans. Hopefully jump in on a Zoom call with him and hear him out and make a decision.”

Baker, the No. 93 overall prospect and No. 10 QB in the 2025 cycle — per the On3 Industry Ranking — has kept both Penn State and LSU warm down the stretch, though playing for UNC has long been the goal. The Tar Heels signed just six prospects last week. Baker is one of three commits that’s still yet to put pen to paper.

“He loves North Carolina,” the elder Baker said. “That’s been our vision the last two years.”

The hiring of Belichick has been received well by top prospects across the country. Baker is able to take another official visit to Chapel Hill if he chooses due to the coaching change. He visited Penn State at the end of the regular season and has also looked at a potential visit to LSU.

Baker was one of just two top-100 prospects to not sign during last week’s Early Signing Period. He’ll now speak with Belichick and work to come to a final decision.