Mack Brown’s firing at UNC could open a door for Penn State

On Tuesday morning, the University of North Carolina announced that head coach Mack Brown will not be returning to the program for the 2025 season. The decision comes shortly after Brown reportedly told North Carolina Commitments that he planned to remain in Chapel Hill.

While North Carolina’s decision would normally have little to no impact on Penn State, this time, with the decision coming just eight days before the early signing deadline, it could have a significant impact. In recent weeks, Penn State has been closely monitoring the commitment of North Carolina quarterback Bryce Baker.

The 6-foot-2, 184-pound quarterback from East Forsyth High School in Kernersville, North Carolina, is ranked as the No. 78 player in the country and the No. 7 quarterback.

Last week, when we reviewed Baker’s hiring, he told HVI that he was sticking with North Carolina and wasn’t considering other options: “Right now, things are going well with my hiring,” he said. “I plan on staying at UNC.” At the time, Mack Brown was expected to return, and Baker was determined to play for the College Football Hall of Famer.

Baker committed to the Tar Heels in June over offers from Boston College, Duke, Louisville, Maryland, North Carolina State, Penn State Virginia Tech and Wake Forest.

But now that Brown is leaving Chapel Hill, Baker’s recruitment is moving to the forefront of recruiting to watch. If Baker begins to consider other programs, Penn State would be a program that is in a prime position to take on the four-star prospect.

Penn State currently has three-star Bekkem Kritza committed to quarterback in its 2025 recruiting class, but has kept its options open for a second quarterback in recent weeks.

In his junior and senior seasons, Baker completed 408 of 571 pass attempts, a 71.5% completion rate for 6,181 yards and 75 touchdowns with just seven interceptions in 24 games played. He also has an additional 576 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 96 carries.