"Next great Belichick product": UNC fans rejoice as Bill Belichick receives the commitment of 2025 QB Au'Tori Newkirk

UNC coach Bill Belichick has received a further boost in his quarterback room with the commitment of three-star quarterback Au’Tori Newkirk. The Class of 2025 prospect announced his commitment to the Tar Heels on Tuesday via a social media post on X.

His commitment, the latest in Belichick’s recruitment drive for the Tar Heels, has UNC fans expressing their excitement on X.

One fan on the platform declared the 6-foot-3 Newkirk as the next great product of the new North Carolina coach:

“LFG the next great Belichick product!!!”

Another fan expressed their satisfaction with the development and extended their congratulations to the new commit:

“Yo I love this, man this is awesome! Congrats!!”

A UNC fan saw the need to assure Newkirk of a great time at the program as part of their welcoming gesture. They wrote:

“Welcome to Blue Heaven, so excited to have you. It will surpass your expectations.”

However, there were also rival fans who weren't as excited about the news as the Tar Heels fans. For instance, a netizen made fun of the capacity of the UNC football home crowd. They wrote:

“Enjoy playing in front of 5 thousand fans Auditorium!”

Notwithstanding, the overwhelming reaction to the news of Newkirk's commitment was congratulatory and welcoming.

"Welcome to the Hill," a fan wrote.

Likewise, another fan showed eagerness to see the quarterback in action.

"Big time let's go," they posted.

UNC quarterback room situation and Bill Belichick’s recruiting efforts so far

Newkirk is the No. 101 quarterback in the 2025 class, per On3. The three-star prospect from Maury High School in Norfolk, Virginia, is also the No. 45 prospect in Virginia. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 200 pounds, Newkirk becomes Bill Belichick’s third addition to the Tar Heels’ quarterback room since his hiring on Dec. 11.

He joins four-star quarterback Bryce Baker and former Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne as replacements for the three UNC quarterbacks who have hit the portal. UNC's starting quarterback in 2024, Jacolby Criswell, and his backups Conner Harrel and Michael Merdinger, have all bid farewell to Chapel Hill following Belichick’s arrival.

Since being hired to replace former UNC coach Mack Brown, Bill Belichick has been hard at work, recruiting players and staff. The eight-time Super Bowl-winning coach has embarked on his first college coaching rodeo, taking over a Tar Heels team fresh from a disappointing 6-7 finish.

Bill Belichick visited DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, on Thursday. The visit was a part of his recruitment efforts for the program, which he is now saddled with the task of reviving.