On Saturday, November 22, 2025, the Chapel Hill air crackled with the kind of tension only a rivalry game can bring — but this time, the real drama was unfolding off the field. Four-star running back Carsyn Baker, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound prospect from Florida and a committed member of the University of Florida 2026 recruiting class, arrived in Chapel Hill for an official visit that could reshape the future of North Carolina Tar Heels football. Head coach Mack Brown and his staff didn’t just want him to watch the game — they wanted him to feel like he already belonged.
The Game That Could Change Everything
UNC was hosting the Duke Blue Devils at Kenan Stadium in a matchup that had already turned bitter. Last year, Duke stunned the Tar Heels in Durham with a fake field goal that turned into a game-winning touchdown — a play that dashed UNC’s bowl hopes and left fans stunned. This year, UNC had won three straight at home against Duke, but the stakes felt heavier than ever. Kickoff was set for 2:30 p.m. Eastern, and the pregame show on the Tar Heel Sports Network buzzed with talk of Baker’s visit. Was this just a courtesy stop? Or the opening act of a recruiting coup?
The timing wasn’t random. With the regular season winding down and bowl eligibility already out of reach after last week’s loss to Duke, UNC’s coaching staff turned their focus to the future. "This weekend is crucial," said one insider on the North Carolina Tar Heels Football Today podcast. "He’s seen Florida’s depth chart. He knows things are changing. We’re offering him a chance to be the guy — not the third wheel."
Why Baker Matters
Baker isn’t just another four-star recruit. He’s a physical, downhill runner with elite vision — the kind of back who can carry a load in a power-based offense. And he’s from Florida, a state that’s become a recruiting battleground between traditional powers and ambitious programs like UNC. Florida’s program, under Billy Napier, has shifted toward speed and spread schemes. Baker, by all accounts, prefers a more traditional, physical style — the kind Mack Brown has built his reputation on.
That mismatch is what UNC is banking on. The Tar Heels aren’t just selling a school. They’re selling a role. A chance to be the featured back in a system that values toughness over finesse. And they’ve got proof it works.
The Proof Is in the Roster
Right now, UNC’s backfield is anchored by sophomore Davion Gause — "Bullet," as teammates call him. The 5-foot-11, 215-pound Opa-locka native ran for 326 yards and four touchdowns on 67 carries as a freshman in 2024. He’s on the Doak Walker Award watch list, but he’s not the long-term answer. He’s the bridge.
That’s where Baker comes in. And UNC isn’t just betting on one player. They’ve already locked in two other four-star running backs: Amir Brown, who committed on August 3, 2025, and George Pettaway, whose pledge was hailed as "yet another massive win on the recruiting trail" by Chapelboro.com. This isn’t a one-off push — it’s a strategy.
247Sports’ national recruiting team listed Baker as one of the top seven visitors on campus that weekend, noting he was "the most impactful in-state talent UNC has targeted since 2021." The analytics are clear: flipping a four-star from Florida to Chapel Hill would be a statement. Especially when Alabama, Georgia, and LSU are all breathing down UNC’s neck.
What’s at Stake Beyond the Roster
Recruiting isn’t just about numbers. It’s about momentum. UNC’s program has been quietly climbing since Brown returned in 2019. But they’ve never cracked the elite tier of recruiting classes. Flipping Baker — a player who chose Florida because of tradition, proximity, and hype — would signal to every top-tier back in the Southeast that UNC is now a destination, not a fallback.
And it’s not just about 2026. If Baker flips, it sends a message to 2027 prospects like Amir Brown (already committed) and others on the radar: "We’re not just competing. We’re winning."
What’s Next?
After the Duke game, UNC heads to Raleigh for the season finale against NC State. But the real battle starts Monday. Baker will meet with academic advisors, tour the weight room, and sit down with Brown one-on-one. Sources say the coaching staff has already drafted a personalized development plan — one that shows Baker how he’d fit into the offense as a sophomore starter.
Florida’s staff is aware. They’ve been calling Baker daily. But UNC has something Florida doesn’t: a clear path to playing time, a coach who’s won national titles, and a program that’s suddenly on the rise.
It’s not over. But for the first time in years, UNC feels like they’re not just chasing recruits — they’re pulling them in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Carsyn Baker considering flipping from Florida to UNC?
Baker, a physical, power-running back, feels his style doesn’t align with Florida’s current spread-oriented offense under Billy Napier. UNC, under Mack Brown, offers a traditional, ball-control system where he’d be the featured back immediately — not a rotational option. His visit during the Duke game was designed to show him UNC’s culture, fan support, and clear path to playing time.
How significant is this recruiting visit for UNC’s program?
Flipping a four-star running back from Florida to Chapel Hill would be a major statement. UNC hasn’t landed a top-50 national recruit in recent memory, and Baker’s commitment would signal they’re now competing with traditional powers like Alabama and Georgia. It would also validate their recent recruiting momentum, including commitments from Amir Brown and George Pettaway.
What role does Davion Gause play in UNC’s recruiting strategy?
Gause, a 2024 freshman who rushed for 326 yards and four touchdowns, serves as proof of concept. He’s a physical back who thrived in UNC’s system, showing recruits like Baker that the offense fits their style. He’s not the future — he’s the bridge. Baker would be the next step in building a dominant backfield for 2026 and beyond.
Why is this visit happening during the Duke game?
UNC’s staff wanted Baker to experience a high-stakes rivalry game with full student section energy, loud crowds, and a historic stadium. Even though UNC lost last year’s matchup, the home-field advantage at Kenan Stadium — where they’ve won three straight — was too powerful to ignore. It’s about emotion as much as tactics.
What’s UNC’s track record with Florida recruits?
UNC has struggled to consistently land top Florida talent, often losing to Florida State and Miami. But under Mack Brown, they’ve made progress: Gause, Brown, and Pettaway are all Floridians. Flipping Baker — a four-star from Florida — would be their biggest win in-state since 2017 and could open the floodgates for future recruiting.
What happens if Baker doesn’t flip?
UNC will still sign Amir Brown and George Pettaway, keeping their 2026 class strong. But the message would be clear: Florida’s program still holds more sway for elite in-state talent. UNC would need to pivot quickly to other targets, possibly targeting JUCO transfers or under-the-radar prospects. The loss would be a setback, but not a collapse.