UNC Football: Prized 2025 Recruit From Georgia Commits to Tar Heels

The 2025 UNC football recruiting collection suddenly ranks among the nation's top 15.

Photo credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

UNC football head coach Mack Brown and his staff hadn't landed a 2025 prep in over two months. But on Wednesday afternoon, Gainesville (Ga.) offensive tackle Alex Payne announced his verbal commitment to the Tar Heels and became the program's top prize thus far in the cycle.

The 6-foot-5, 270-pound four-star, who ranks No. 240 overall, No. 22 at his position, and No. 29 among Georgia preps on the 247Sports 2025 Composite, chose UNC over roughly a dozen other suitors.

According to 247Sports' Don Callahan, Payne's list of offers included several more from the ACC in Florida State, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Georgia Tech, Boston College, and rival Duke.

He revealed his pledge to Brown & Co. via the following post on social media, which popped up a few days after he visited the Tar Heels for a third time in his recruitment:

With a grateful heart I would like to Thank God, my family / teammates and all of my coaches that helped me reach this point!@CoachMackBrown @CoachClemUNC @Cudi_K @CoachHunnicutt @GoHeels @RecruitTheG @RedElephant_FB #GoHeels #COMMITTED pic.twitter.com/53a1bphf8V

— Alex Payne (@Alex_Payne_71) January 17, 2024

And here's a posted brief assessment of Payne's promising features, courtesy of CBS Sports' Tom Lemming in November:

Alex Payne 6‘5“ 268 left tackle from Gainesville HS, FL shows all American skills. Dynamic ballplayer with exceptional foot work, hands and attitude. Great frame should weigh over 300. 3.5 GPA. National recruit in 2025 class. Versatile enough to play OT/OG.@alex_payne_71 pic.twitter.com/IqaBFk5xAm

— Tom Lemming (@LemmingReport) November 15, 2023

Alex Payne joins four other current high school juniors who have already pledged allegiance to the UNC football recruiters.

That group includes another four-star in East Forsyth (N.C.) quarterback Bryce Baker. The others are three-star prospects: Cary (N.C.) offensive lineman Trey Blue, McDonogh School (Md.) edge Kamden Laudenslager, and Hersey (Ill.) tight end Logan Farrell.

At this early juncture on the 2025 trail, the Tar Heels' haul ranks No. 13 in the country, per 247Sports.

Official Visit Leads to Another Transfer Pledge for UNC

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