One of Penn State footballโs top flip targets has in recruiting has made his decision.
Saturday afternoon, Bryce Baker, the No. 8 QB in the country per 247Sports as well as the No. 3 overall player in North Carolina and the No. 80 player nationally, announced that heโs keeping his commitment to North Carolina.
Baker was down to UNC and Penn State.
After Carolina fired coach Mack Brown, Baker visited Penn State for the schools 44-7 win over Maryland Nov. 30. Many wondered if Baker would stay with Carolina but he announced Saturday that he will be playing for new coach Bill Belichick.
PLAYING FOR THE GOAT

MIAMI GARDENS, FL – OCTOBER 29: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks toward the officials during a stop in play during the game between the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, October 29, 2023 at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire)
For Baker, Belichickโs hiring was a big factor in him staying at North Carolina.
“Their experience in the NFL is huge,” Baker said. “They’ve been on the level that I’m trying to get to. I feel like that separates them from a lot of other schools. They want to develop me, and they know the intricacies that will help me get to my goals. I feel like [Belichick] will bring in the right pieces to build around me. They’re going to make me a priority.”
FRANKLIN CAN STILL FLIP

Photo by Matt Lynch, Nittany Sports Now: James Franklin
Penn State coach James Franklinhas already flipped one key target since signing day ended last week. He got the No. 1 player in Pennsylvania, Andrew Olesh, to leave Michigan for Happy Valley.Heโs also trying to get another in-state target, four-star EDGE Zahir Mathis, to pick Penn State after de-committing from Ohio State last month.ย
Penn State has a QB signed to its 2025 recruiting Class in three-star Bekkem Kritza.
