Bill Belichick's influence shines for UNC as the Tar Heels flip 2025 class RB Joseph Troupe from Temple

Bill Belichick's recent appointment as North Carolina coach has injected fresh energy into the college football scene. This momentum was evident on Sunday when Joseph Troupe, a three-star running back from Tampa's Berkeley Prep, announced his commitment to the Tar Heels, flipping from Temple, where he had been pledged since June.

Troupe, ranked No. 102 among running backs and No. 173 overall in Florida, became the Tar Heels’ fifth commitment in January.

His addition elevates UNC's recruiting class to No. 60 nationally and No. 14 in the ACC, per 247Sports Composite Team Rankings. The Tar Heels now have 17 commits for 2025, continuing to make strides under Belichick’s leadership as they target top talent.

Troupe’s senior season solidified his reputation, amassing over 1,500 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on 237 carries while adding 82 yards and a touchdown through the air.

Across his high school career, he totaled more than 3,400 rushing yards and over 40 touchdowns. His junior year included 909 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on 143 carries, following a breakout freshman season with 318 yards and seven touchdowns on just 35 carries.

Before committing to UNC, Troupe received offers from over a dozen programs, including Boston College, East Carolina and USF. With Troupe now part of the 2025 recruiting class, he becomes the third running back to join the Tar Heels under Bill Belichick.

Bill Belichick’s arrival boosts UNC football as 2025 recruiting class expands

The University of North Carolina’s 2025 recruiting class continues to gain momentum with the recent commitments of Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas three-star linebacker Lantz Pascal and Tampa Berkeley Prep three-star running back Joseph "Jojo" Troupe.

These additions bring UNC’s total commits to 16, solidifying its national ranking at No. 60 and No. 15 in the ACC, per On3 Industry Rankings. In January alone, the Tar Heels secured quarterback Au’Tori Newkirk and three-star EDGE Chinedu Onyeagoro.

The class is headlined by Kernersville (NC) East Forsyth four-star quarterback Bryce Baker, who is ranked as the No. 10 quarterback nationally and a top-100 recruit.

Baker emphasized his confidence in Bill Belichick, telling On3:

“I just feel like with Belichick coming in, they can provide that next-level development I didn’t have the opportunity to have with other options I was looking at. Belichick coming from the NFL and the first-hand experience he has for what it takes to be the best.”

Other key signees include On300 safety Javion Butts, interior offensive lineman Byron Nelson, wide receiver Evan Haynes and offensive tackle Trey Blue.