Travis Burgess, one of the most heavily sought-after quarterbacks from the Class of 2026, had more than 30 programs vying for a commitment from him.
In the end, it came down to three schools: Auburn, NC State, and North Carolina.
While Auburn was viewed as the potential frontrunner as the recruitment heated up, it's Bill Belichick and the UNC football program that have secured the commitment from Burgess.
While 247Sports currently views the Georgia native as a three-star prospect, it's safe to say that his ratings will escalate before he makes his way to Chapel Hill. Right now, Burgess is regarded as the No. 27-ranked quarterback in his class and becomes the second-highest rated recruit that the UNC football program has earned a commitment from in the Class of 2026 (a recruiting class that is already considered a top 20 level group).
In an interview with Inside Carolina regarding his commitment to North Carolina, Burgess' reasoning for his decision is rather simple:
"Coach Belichick will turn this program around in the next year or two. And I want to be a part of that legacy and help turn it around. The 'TB' legacy will continue. Go Tar Heels."
The UNC football program continues to thrive on the recruiting trail in the early portion of the Bill Belichick era, as prospective high school student-athletes want the opportunity to play for one of the best coaches in the history of the sport. For Burgess, he shares the same initials as Tom Brady, a quarterback who won an astounding six Super Bowls playing for Belichick, as it would be rather fitting if Burgess is the guy to lead the program to a national title down the road.
For now, let's just enjoy the fact that North Carolina is absolutely cooking on the recruiting trail, both in terms of recruiting high schools while also convincing transfers to call Chapel Hill their next home.