Bill Belichick has made a career out of zigging when the rest of the football world zags. He’s built dynasties out of overlooked talent, rewritten the playbook on defensive schemes, and turned mid-round draft picks into legends. But now, for the first time in his storied career, he’s navigating a world where five-star hype and seven-figure NIL deals dictate success.

College football recruiting isn’t Foxborough. There’s no salary cap, no comp picks, no Belichickian mind games to fleece rival GMs. This is the Wild West, and on the morning of January 7, the greatest coach in football history walked into North Carolina Tar Heels’ Providence Day School dressed like he was about to argue a case in federal court. Bill Belichick—the hoodie-wearing, cutthroat genius—was now a teenage recruiter. And he wasn’t here to play the same game as everyone else.

Belichick inherited a mess when he took over North Carolina’s program on December 12. The Tar Heels’ recruiting class was in shambles, the transfer portal had gutted the roster, and the NIL arms race was passing them by. Yet, in just under two months, Belichick and his staff had clawed their way back to a respectable No. 48 in ESPN’s class rankings. That’s not the kind of number that strikes fear into SEC or Big Ten powerhouses, but it was a statement—Belichick wasn’t just here to collect a paycheck and coast. He was here to build. Still, as signing day approached, one question loomed: Would UNC land the quarterback to kickstart Belichick’s new era?

It wasn’t for lack of trying. North Carolina went after John Mateer, a 6’1″ dual-threat quarterback with the ability to stretch defenses and fit seamlessly into a modern college offense. But Oklahoma won out. And unlike some programs that would’ve opened the vault to secure their future QB, UNC didn’t break the bank for the 44 TD transfer guy from Washington State. That decision raised eyebrows, especially in an era where top-tier signal-callers command lucrative NIL deals.

Eli Lederman explained the situation on ESPN’s College GameDay Podcast: “That portal class again, they didn’t go get some big quarterback who’s going to step in day one. We know they made a big push for John Mateer, who landed at Oklahoma, but they didn’t go land that big guy. They didn’t go drop a ton of money, at least as far as we know, on a really expensive, really big, really star-studded portal class.” It was a calculated move and one that revealed Belichick’s long-term vision.

Instead of chasing the highest-rated name in the portal, Belichick set his sights on the future. Enter four-star Bryce Baker. The 6’3″ ESPN 300 quarterback out of East Forsyth had options—LSU wanted him, Penn State made their pitch—but he chose UNC. While programs across the country were pouring resources into short-term fixes, Belichick was building a foundation. Baker could be a centerpiece of what UNC is trying to become. And unlike a portal quarterback looking for a one-year showcase before jumping to the NFL, Baker will grow within the program.

Belichick’s approach has been a masterclass in patience and pragmatism. He understands that NIL money is a tool, not a crutch. As Lederman pointed out, “I think the talent level in year one is a really interesting question, and obviously all eyes are going to be on Bill Belichick and how far he can get this team in year one. But I think, you know, we know he’s got a ton of money lined up in terms of what’s in his contract and what they’re going to be able to spend on revenue sharing. You assume they’re going to motivate the boosters and the NIL base.” Translation? Belichick is playing the long game, knowing that a sustainable, well-built program beats a quick cash grab every time.

North Carolina, on the other hand, has built a class with 15 pledges, headlined by a quarterback who chose belief over dollar signs.

Bill Belichick eyes former Patriots player’s son of class 28’

The football bloodline runs strong in the Blount family! On Wednesday, North Carolina officially extended an offer to LeGarrette Blount Jr. He is the son of Bill Belichick’s former New England Patriots running back and two-time Super Bowl champ, LeGarrette Blount.

Blount Jr., a standout at Hamilton High School in Chandler, Arizona, is part of the Class of 2028. He took to X to share the big news, he wrote, “Blessed to receive my 2nd D1 offer from North Carolina!!” Not bad for a young prospect still a few years away from college ball.

His proud father wasted no time celebrating the moment. The elder Blount, who bulldozed defenses in his prime, took to X with an emotional message: “I’m so proud of you and happy for you, son! You deserve everything coming your way and more, king! I love you so so much my guy!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!

It’s still early in the recruiting process. But Coach BB is already eyeing the future.