UNC Transfer Quarterback Bryce Baker Officially Visits with Virginia Tech

A top quarterback in the 2025 class, Baker looks to find a new home after taking zero snaps with the Tar Heels.

Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Bryce Baker (2) passes before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Former four-star quarterback Bryce Baker went on his official visit to Blacksburg on Sunday, and he posted on his Instagram. The true freshman sat behind Gio Lopez and Max Johnson during his time with the Tar Heels.

Former Top247 QB UNC transfer Bryce Baker on his Virginia Tech official visit https://t.co/HitrOvJENu pic.twitter.com/ol64TmpNnW

— Kolby Crawford (@kolby_crawford) January 4, 2026

Baker is one of many quarterbacks Virginia Tech has been linked to early on. Former Nittany Lions Beau Pribula and Ethan Gurnkemeyer have been the names generating the most buzz due to their ties to James Franklin. Pribula has been heavily linked to the Hokies and Georgia Tech, who are making a heavy push to bring him in to replace Haynes King.

Grunkemeyer has yet to land any industry predictions, but has consistently been brought up as the top name linked to Virginia Tech at quarterback. This doesn't rule out the potential acquisition of Baker. The portal is an ever-changing landscape where one pitch is all it could take for a school to win a player over. Just like we're seeing with Pribula, the Hokies won't be the only team going after Grunkemeyer.

Bringing Baker in for a visit provides the Hokies with an array of options to ensure they leave the portal with a quarterback. A very real possibility is Franklin bringing in multiple passers to set the program up for the present and the future.

Baker's Bag

If Baker makes the change within the ACC, it won't be to sit back and develop. The room in UNC has no alpha had could've been one for Baker to step up in. He doesn't just want to play, he wants to win. His high school record shows that.

His junior and senior years with East Forsyth solidified him as a can't-miss prospect. He led them to a 23-3 record and two conference championships over that span. He finished 2023 with 3,082 yards, 39 touchdowns, and three interceptions. He followed that up with a 3,523-yard, 40-touchdown campaign. The North Carolina native completed 70.6% of his passes during those two seasons.

✝️AGTG!
Check out my top 5 plays from the game Vs West!

Great team W! 48-42
2 Passing TDs
19-27 passing completions
237 passing yards
103 rushing yardshttps://t.co/qCWCqiLKEC
check out the link above for the full (more clear) highlight reel^ pic.twitter.com/XK6oBs3DXg

— Bryce Baker (@thebrycebaker2) November 7, 2024

Baker showcased every tool scouts look for in a passer, but he was able to establish himself as a threat outside of the pocket. He had 536 yards and nine scores on the ground in his final two seasons. His type of play could be the final piece of Ty Howle's offensive puzzle. His mobility and arm talent could play right into the early down play-action sets Penn State began to install in 2025. However, if Howle was concerned about transitioning from Happy Valley, he would just bring in a familiar face in Grunkemeyer.

The Hokies may not have to choose between the two, given the QB room that's already present. Baker could immediately compete for the starting job, no matter who else is brought in. Bill Belichick thought very highly of the talent he possesses. A wealth of reps may not be the top-selling point in Blacksburg. The competition and development under Franklin's staff could be a golden opportunity for Baker to develop into one of the ACC's future stars.