Nov 29, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick on the sideline during the second half of the game against NC State Wolfpack at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

UNC Successfully Flips Penn State Punter

Originally posted on North Carolina Tar Heels on SI
By Jordon Lawrenz | Last updated Nov 30, 2025 12:00 PM ET

While flipping a punter doesn't seem like the biggest thing in the world, it goes to show just how active North Carolina has been in recruiting this entire season. No matter the position, no matter a player's star rating, the Tar Heels are always in the mix.

Now, head coach Bill Belichick was able to land Adam Gibbs. Gibbs, a Northern Ireland prospect, will have the chance to play his first college football game as part of the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic.

It marks an incredible opportunity for Gibbs and the entire UNC football program. Even though their 2025 season didn't go according to plan, they've built a terrific foundation for the future, one that Gibbs is now part of.

Adam Gibbs On Choosing UNC Over Penn State

After some very positive conversations, I am delighted to announce I have decommitted from Penn state and am excited to announce I have commited to @uncfootball

This is all thanks to @leaderkicking.

Can’t wait to get to work with @CoachPriefer @Belichick_B @_thebillymiller pic.twitter.com/EvVUbUW1t3
— Adam Gibbs (@AdamMcCG) November 28, 2025

As of June 28, Gibbs pledged his commitment to Penn State. The Nittany Lions thought they had a Top 15 punter in the Class of 2026, but instead, they thought wrong. After lots of going back and forth, Gibbs believed he would be best suited playing for Belichick and the Tar Heels.

"After some very positive conversations, I am delighted to announce I have decommitted from Penn State and am excited to announce I have committed to North Carolina Football," Gibbs posted on his social media. He added, "Can't wait to get to work with Mike Priefer, Bill Belichick, and Billy Miller."

Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Priefer is UNC's special teams coach, and he was the first name Gibbs mentioned. The relationship he and the rest of the coaching staff formed with Gibbs proved to be more than enough to flip him from a Penn State team that was able to turn itself around and still make a bowl game, something the Tar Heels were unable to do.

UNC's Bright Future

Field position can win games!

Go follow @AdamMcCG and welcome him the Carolina Family! pic.twitter.com/LJmeHe6xxk
— Great Day Tar Heel (@GreatDayTarHeel) November 28, 2025

Had North Carolina taken down Virginia in overtime, this season may have looked entirely different. Belichick's squad finished the year 4-8 (2-6) with three straight losses. It's far from the way he wanted to go out, especially since the final game against NC State ended in a blowout.

Regardless, this is a Tar Heels program that has the highest number of recruits coming in next season. Even though the results weren't on the field this year, Gibbs is one of many players who are all-in on coach Belichick.

Missing a bowl game is no fun, and ending four games below .500 is less than ideal, but UNC fans must know this season was only a building block for the future, a future that looks quite bright.

This article first appeared on North Carolina Tar Heels on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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