It’s been a whirlwind of a day in Chapel Hill, and the UNC football program finds itself at a pivotal crossroads-again. The headline move?
Bobby Petrino is expected to take over as offensive coordinator, marking the second change at that position in as many years. Freddie Kitchens held the role for just one season before the Tar Heels opted for a new direction.
But while Petrino’s arrival is big news on its own, it was quickly followed by another major development: freshman quarterback Bryce Baker is officially entering the transfer portal.
Baker’s exit is significant-not just because of his recruiting profile, but because of what it signals about the current state of UNC’s quarterback room. A top-100 national prospect and one of the crown jewels of Bill Belichick’s first recruiting class last December, Baker was viewed as a potential future face of the program.
He stayed committed through the transition from Mack Brown to Belichick, clearly buying into the vision of building something new in Chapel Hill. But after a season in which he didn’t see meaningful playing time-not even during a blowout win over Richmond-his decision to move on isn’t all that surprising.
To put it in perspective: even when UNC had a chance to get young arms some reps, the staff turned to fellow freshman Au’Touri Newkirk. Baker’s lone pass attempt of the season was intercepted.
That kind of moment, while small on the stat sheet, can loom large in the confidence of a young quarterback. And now, he’s looking for a fresh start.
This marks the second quarterback to hit the portal for UNC this offseason, following Max Johnson’s departure shortly after the season ended. And it raises a pressing question for Belichick and the staff: what’s next for the quarterback position?
Gio Lopez, who transferred in from South Alabama, struggled in his first year under center. There’s uncertainty about whether the Tar Heels will stick with him moving forward.
His reported two-year deal-worth around $2 million annually-complicates things. That kind of financial commitment suggests UNC might be inclined to give him another shot, but performance still matters, especially with a new offensive coordinator stepping in.
Petrino’s arrival adds a layer of intrigue. Known for his offensive acumen and quarterback development, he’s likely to have a say in how the position is handled moving forward.
Could he help unlock something in Lopez that wasn’t there this past season? Possibly.
But one thing is clear: the need to bring in competition is more urgent than ever.
Travis Burgess was considered a potential challenger, but a torn ACL has put his timeline in question. It’s unclear when he’ll be ready for contact again in 2026, which means the depth chart is even thinner than it looks on paper.
So where does that leave UNC? With a new offensive coordinator, a wide-open quarterback battle, and a fanbase eager for clarity.
The departure of Bryce Baker might not have an immediate impact on the field, but it underscores the uncertainty that still surrounds the most important position in the sport. For Belichick and Petrino, the clock is ticking to find answers-and fast.