All Tar Heels

Elite UNC Football Commit Throws Five Touchdowns in 'Electric Game'

UNC football should welcome at least one polished passer the season after next in North Carolinian Bryce Baker.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
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Bryce Baker, who verbally committed to the UNC football staff in late June, ranks No. 276 overall, No. 21 among quarterbacks, and No. 7 in North Carolina on the 247Sports 2025 Composite. Perhaps he's in store for a significant climb in the spring.

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On Friday night, the 6-foot-3, 185 composite four-star and high-IQ signal caller led East Forsyth High School to a 45-35 win over West Forsyth.

As play-by-play announcer Evan Budrovich noted in his caption for the following highlight of Baker's clutch 25-yard toss to the corner of the end zone to put East Forsyth (now 9-1) ahead by two scores in the fourth quarter, his performance came with the "conference title on the line" and in an "electric game":

It marked Bryce Baker's fifth touchdown throw of the night.

He totaled 342 yards through the air while connecting on 80 percent of his attempts, adding 61 rushing yards on nine carries, according to 247Sports' Don Callahan.

Baker, who has thrown for over 2,600 yards, 33 TDs, and only three interceptions this season, is one of three UNC football pledges thus far in the 2025 arena. The Tar Heels' class, albeit notably early in the cycle, ranks No. 22 in the country.

That top-25 ranking has a lot to do with Baker. He's the only composite four-star of the bunch.

UNC's other commits are McDonough School (Md.) three-star edge rusher Kamden Laudenslager, who ranks No. 525 overall and No. 19 in his state, and Cary High School (N.C.) offensive lineman Trey Blue (no composite ranking).

The Tar Heels finished No. 27 in the 2023 ranking, per 247Sports, and sit at No. 27 in 2024.

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Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI.com for more UNC football recruiting news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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