North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick. Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Bill Belichick's legend helps North Carolina land four-star WR

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 7:58 PM ET

Carnell Warren is a four-star wide receiver from Bluffton, South Carolina. He boasts nearly 20 offers and is a previous Virginia Tech commitment.

He was a big loss for VT, too. According to the 247Sports composite, he's a top 50 wideout in the 2026 class.

Virginia Tech's loss has ended up being a major gain for Bill Belichick and the North Carolina Tar Heels, though.

Warren was offered by the Tar Heels in mid-February, and on Wednesday, his commitment to UNC was announced.

Clearly, Belichick's time in the NFL and the six Super Bowls he won as head coach of the New England Patriots were a factor in why Warren decided to go the Tar Heels' way.

“I’m committed to UNC … The staff is one of the best of the best,” Warren told Chad Simmons of Rivals. “To be developed and ready for the NFL … It is the best fit for me in all situations. And it gives me a chance to change everything around in four years.”

All glory to god. My recruitment is shut down! Chapel hill let’s go! https://t.co/de7w0H3yqu
— Carnell Warren (@carnw18) July 9, 2025

Mississippi State and Pitt were also in the running for Warren's commitment, but this is arguably the main reason that North Carolina has been attractive to recruits now that Belichick is in Chapel Hill.

He'll have to prove that what he did in the NFL and the way he ran the Patriots can translate to college football in the NIL and transfer portal era, but the name and fame he earned as an NFL head coach instantly made North Carolina a desirable destination for many recruits.

If Belichick can go out and win big in Year 1, the Tar Heels could quickly vault to the top of the recruiting rankings.

For now, his 2025 class is solid but not overwhelming. With the addition of Warren, UNC now has 31 commitments in a class that's ranked No. 19 nationally.

Again, this is before Belichick has even coached an official snap for the Tar Heels.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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