Big news shook the North Carolina Tar Heels on Tuesday, with athletic director Bubba Cunningham announcing the firing of head football coach Mack Brown.
This move comes a day after Brown announced he wants to return in 2025. Fans don’t feel the same way, though, fed up with Brown’s coaching letdowns throughout UNC’s current season.
One of the greatest areas affected by a coaching chance is a team’s recruiting cycle: and for North Carolina, that could include the de-commitment of its top Class of 2025 player.
Bryce Baker, a 4-star quarterback from East Forsyth High School in Kernersville, NC who’s leading his team through an undefeated season and playoff run, is the commit in question.
Look at what Baker’s father, Michael, had to say about Brown’s firing and Bryce’s future:
“We need to talk as family to process this unfortunate news,” Michael Baker told On3 Sports’ Steve Wiltfong. “We’ll speak as a family tonight with Bryce to figure out what Bryce’s future will look like.”
If Baker decides to de-commit, he wouldn’t be the first to do so from the Tar Heels.
On Tuesday afternoon, Class of 2026 edge rusher Zavion-Griffin Haynes re-opened his recruitment. Days before Brown’s firing, 2025 4-star offensive tackle Alex Payne announced he was doing the same.
Baker announced his commitment to North Carolina back in June 2023. East Forsyth is just under 90 minutes from Kenan Stadium – and I can’t imagine passing up the opportunity to play in your home state, despite a coaching change.
If you want the full scoop on UNC commitments and de-commitments, make sure you follow along with our tracker.
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