Bill Belichick, UNC Reportedly Lose QB Bryce Baker to Transfer Portal, Gio Lopez Stays

One of the top-rated prospects of Bill Belichick's first college recruiting class is reportedly planning on entering the transfer portal without having played a snap for North Carolina.

Quarterback Bryce Baker plans to enter the portal following his redshirt freshman season with UNC, On3's Hayes Fawcett reported Monday.

Starting quarterback Gio Lopez is planning to remain with the team, however, according to Pete Nakos of On3.

Baker joined the Tar Heels as a 4-star prospect ranked as the No. 12 quarterback in the class of 2025, per 247Sports.

He ultimately did not play this season after spending his true freshman season behind Lopez on the Tar Heels depth chart.

Lopez finished the year with just 10 touchdown passes and five interceptions in 11 games.

Baker originally committed to UNC in June 2023 after receiving offers from other programs, including Florida and Penn State, per 247Sports. He then remained with the Tar Heels during the transition from former head coach Mack Brown to Belichick.

His commitment was seen as such a win for Belichick that the UNC head coach appeared with Baker on the court during halftime of a UNC men's basketball game in December 2024.

Baker ultimately didn't get any playing time in 2025, however, despite UNC's quarterback struggles during the program's 4-8 finish to its first season under Belichick.

The Tar Heels finished the campaign ranked 121st in points per game while giving both backup Max Johnson and fellow true freshman Au'Tori Newkirk playing time over Baker.

Belichick is now heading into the 2026 season with new offensive coordinator after firing Freddie Kitchens and reportedly hiring Bobby Petrino to take his place.

The Tar Heels are seemingly planning to run things back with Lopez, who ESPN's Eli Lederman reported signed a two-year contract to join the team ahead of the 2025 season.

Baker's departure could also open up more opportunities for Travis Burgess, a four-star recruit ranked No. 15 among quarterbacks in the 2026 class by 247Sports.

Baker is the 20th UNC player to plan to enter the transfer portal so far this offseason, per On3. Which other players join him could influence how Belichick approaches the portal when it officially opens on Jan. 2.