According to numerous sources, UNC true freshman quarterback Bryce Baker is planning to enter the transfer portal once it opens Jan. 2. Hayes Fawcett of On3 Sports first reported the news.

Baker was a four-star recruit out of East Forsyth High School in Kernersville. He committed to the Tar Heels when Mack Brown was still the program’s coach. After Brown’s dismissal, Baker considered other schools, notably Penn State, but ultimately elected to honor his commitment and sign under new head coach Bill Belichick. This decision was met with pomp and circumstance: Belichick trotted Baker out at midcourt of the Dean Smith Center at halftime of a UNC men’s basketball game last December.

Once the season began, though, Baker failed to make an impact. While the Tar Heels played three different quarterbacks during the 2025 season, Baker was not one of them. He fell to fourth in the depth chart behind starter Gio Lopez, backup Max Johnson and third-stringer Au’Tori Newkirk, a fellow true freshman. Baker was not on the field for a single snap.

Baker’s announcement comes the same day as UNC’s reported hire of Bobby Petrino as offensive coordinator. Petrino will replace the outgoing Freddie Kitchens, who was fired earlier in the month.

Baker is the 22nd Tar Heel who has announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal so far. For a full list, click here.

 

Featured image via Todd Melet

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