The quarterback position was already going to be a priority for North Carolina in the portal, but it got even bigger.
Freshman quarterback Bryce Baker , an in-state blue-chip and fan favorite since appearing with new coach Bill Belichick at halftime of a game at the Dean Smith Center last December, has entered the transfer portal. The move comes as reports indicate UNC is expected to hire Bobby Petrino as its offensive coordinator .
A highly regarded four-star quarterback prospect out of East Forsyth High School in North Carolina, he did not see any playing time on the field. Baker was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 87 overall player and No. 9 QB in the 2025 recruiting cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Rankings.
Baker instead spent the season backing up Gio Lopez, who completed 65.1% of his passes for 1,747 yards and 10 touchdowns against five interceptions. North Carolina finished 4-8 overall and 2-6 in ACC play in Belichick's debut season.
Not only did Baker never see the field, but the staff also turned to fellow freshman quarterback Au'Tori Newkirk. Newkirk appeared in two games, completing three of six passes for 23 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
As a senior in high school, Baker threw for 3,523 yards and 40 touchdowns with only five interceptions. He also ran for 303 yards and six scores, leading East Forsyth to a 13-1 record and a berth in the state quarterfinals.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC loses freshman QB Bryce Baker to transfer portal
