Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Bill Belichick, North Carolina Lose 4-Star Safety on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Apr 1, 2026 3:01 PM ET

Bill Belichick's first season as the North Carolina Tar Heels' head coach didn't go as planned. The team went 4-8 overall, 2-6 in ACC matchups and finished the year on a three-game losing streak. This is the first time North Carolina failed to qualify for a bowl game since 2018.

Despite their shortcomings on the field, Belichick's reputation and past success as an eight-time Super Bowl champion make the Tar Heels an intriguing destination for high school recruits. North Carolina has gotten to work in the 2027 cycle, landing four commitments so far. However, the group suffered a significant loss on Wednesday.

North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick.Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Safety Marquis Bryant initially committed to the Tar Heels on Dec. 16. He'd chosen them despite having offers from the Clemson Tigers, Ohio State Buckeyes, Nebraska Cornhuskers, Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Tennessee Volunteers.

It was a major win for North Carolina. Bryant is a four-star recruit, the No. 19 safety and the No. 188 player in the nation, according to Rivals Industry Rankings. He put together a solid junior season at Rolesville High School, recording 28 tackles, one tackle for loss, six interceptions and three pass deflections.

However, just over three months after choosing the Tar Heels, the safety has backed out. On Wednesday, Rivals' Hayes Fawcett reported that Bryant has decommitted from North Carolina.

BREAKING: Four-Star Safety Marquis Bryant has Decommitted from North Carolina, he tells me for @Rivals⁰⁰The 6’0 190 S had been Committed to the Tar Heels since December

He currently holds a total of 40 offershttps://t.co/Cuoya7lnzi pic.twitter.com/KBdisuvkto
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 1, 2026

He is the second decommitment Belichick and his staff have suffered in the 2027 recruiting class, joining four-star running back Amir Brown. Following Bryant's decision, the only defensive back committed is three-star safety Chuck Roberts.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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