QB Bryce Baker sticks with UNC, praises Belichick's NFL style - ESPN

Four-star quarterback Bryce Baker has affirmed his commitment to North Carolina and will sign with the Tar Heels under new coach Bill Belichick, he told ESPN on Saturday.

Baker, the No. 4 dual-threat passer in the class, has been the top-ranked member of North Carolina's 2025 recruiting class since June 2023. However, Baker did not sign with the Tar Heels during the early signing period Dec. 4-6 and remained in contact with Penn State and LSU throughout North Carolina's weekslong coaching search, which closed Wednesday with the hiring of 72-year-old Belichick on a five-year deal.

Baker told ESPN that his decision to stick with the Tar Heels was solidified during a phone call with Belichick on Thursday night, hours after the six-time Super Bowl champion's introductory news conference. According to Baker, the conversation with Belichick centered on the coach's «pro» vision for the program, from player development to training to the coaching staff Belichick intends to bring to Chapel Hill.

«Their experience in the NFL is huge,» Baker said. «They've been on the level that I'm trying to get to. I feel like that separates them from a lot of other schools. They want to develop me, and they know the intricacies that will help me get to my goals. I feel like [Belichick] will bring in the right pieces to build around me. They're going to make me a priority.»

A 6-foot-3 passer from Kernersville, North Carolina, Baker is ESPN's No. 193 overall prospect in the 2025 cycle. He was a two-year starter at East Forsyth (N.C.) High School, totaling 3,099 passing yards and 36 touchdowns to four interceptions with another six rushing scores in his senior season this fall, leading the program to a 13-1 finish.

Baker, who initially committed