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UNC Football: Former Big Ten Commit Flips to Tar Heels

Three-star prep Julien Horton is the 11th UNC football prize in the 2025 recruiting arena.

Matt Giles

UNC football
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Four days after announcing his decommitment from Maryland, Bel Air High School (Md.) safety Julien Horton revealed his pledge to the UNC football program on Thursday.

Horton, who initially committed to the Terrapins in late March, is a 6-foot-1, 175-pound three-star who sits at No. 898 overall, No. 78 at his position, and No. 22 among Maryland prospects on the 247Sports 2025 Composite. His commitment to Tar Heel head coach Mack Brown and his staff came within days of his official visit to UNC.

As a junior at Bel Air last year after transferring from Calvert Hall College High School in Baltimore, Julien Horton amassed 32 tackles and one interception. But the speedster also lined up on the other side of the ball as a wide receiver, securing 65 catches for 696 yards and eight touchdowns, per 247Sports, not to mention returning a kickoff for a score.

With 11 verbal pledges in tow, UNC football now ranks No. 43 in the country on the 2025 recruiting trail. Although it's still early in the cycle, Mack Brown's Tar Heels are only 10th among ACC schools on that list, appearing below Clemson, Miami, Georgia Tech, Syracuse, Duke, Stanford, Pitt, Boston College, and Virginia.

The UNC collection includes three composite four-star talents in East Forsythe High School (N.C.) quarterback Bryce Baker, Gainesville High School (Ga.) offensive tackle Alex Payne, and Cooper High School (Ky.) edge rusher Austin Alexander.

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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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