What’s it like to get recruited by Bill Belichick? ‘It’s pandemonium’

Aj Marks was preparing for what seemed like a regular school day when he received an unexpected text from one of his coaches at IMG Academy in Florida.https://svtoday.org/

“Head over to the fieldhouse. Bill Belichick wants to meet you.”

Marks had no idea Belichick was even in town, let alone visiting his high school campus. But like any tech-savvy teenager, the 2026 cornerback recruit immediately screenshot the message, saving it for future reference. When he arrived at the fieldhouse, Belichick was there, along with another surprise.

“I thought it would be a quick introduction and a short chat,” Marks recalled. “But we ended up talking for an hour and a half, and at the end, he offered me a scholarship to North Carolina.”

“Meeting him is a dream for so many people. He truly is the greatest coach of all time.”

Bill Belichick, the 72-year-old first-time college head coach, has been hitting the recruiting trail hard as he works to elevate North Carolina into a national contender. In recent months, he’s traveled from Massachusetts to Florida, connecting with prospects like Marks and making his case.

Belichick has his work cut out for him. While North Carolina has six commitments for the 2026 class, only one player is ranked in the national top 500. But ask any recruit about their experience with Belichick, and they all echo Marks’ sentiments: just being in the presence of a six-time Super Bowl winner feels surreal.

“Before even shaking his hand, I was in awe,” said Nicco Maggio, a Class of 2025 defensive lineman from Georgia who committed to North Carolina earlier this month. “It’s like you’re standing in front of greatness. He’s the G.O.A.T.”

Belichick started recruiting in January, focusing mostly on the East Coast. By hiring Billy Miller, former head coach at IMG Academy, to his staff, Belichick gained direct access to some of the nation’s top talent, including offering scholarships to four other players on the same morning as Marks.

He also made visits in North Carolina, meeting with a trio of four-star edge rushers — Zavion Griffin-Haynes, Noah Clark, and Aiden Harris — and notably, five-star tight end Kendre Harrison, a dual-sport athlete committed to Oregon.

In late January, Belichick visited Nashville for an in-home meeting with Jared Curtis, the No. 1 quarterback in the 2026 class and former Georgia commit.

Belichick’s approach sets him apart from his predecessors at UNC, spending considerable time in the Northeast, where he’s been warmly received by prospects and coaches who appreciate his commitment to the region.

“When he walked in, it was pure chaos,” said Vito Campanile, head coach at New Jersey’s Bergen Catholic. “His presence alone is magnetic. He’s got a national brand, and wherever he goes, people take notice. If Bill Belichick’s talking to you, you better pay attention.”

Campanile noted that Belichick was “extremely engaging” and seemed “rejuvenated” by his new challenge, preferring small group settings that encourage meaningful conversations with recruits.

Belichick’s pitch has been focused on development, emphasizing his plans to run North Carolina like an NFL program. He even brought along Joshua Grimes, the former executive chef for the New England Patriots, to fill the same role at UNC. When Belichick shared that 17 of his former players were once the highest-paid at their positions in the NFL, the room fell silent.

“Instant credibility,” Campanile said. “The kids are locked in, giving incredible eye contact, because they know they’re hearing from the standard of excellence in football coaching.”

Belichick’s recruiting tour has included some personal moments, too. When Campanile received a text from Notre Dame quarterback and Bergen Catholic alum Steve Angeli during the Orange Bowl, showing off a picture with Tom Brady, he asked Belichick if he’d take a photo to send back.

“I think Stevie thought he had me beat,” Campanile joked. “But I’m like, ‘So am I,’” referring to being with the G.O.A.T. himself.

And, of course, there are the famous outfits. While Belichick has mostly opted for a coat and tie during recruiting visits, his signature sweatsuits have made their way to Chapel Hill too.

Maggio posted a picture of himself with Belichick in calf-length sweatpants, laced-less shoes, and a sweatshirt — a moment that brought some light-hearted fun to the recruiting process.

“That was funny,” Maggio said.

With the recruiting dead period lasting through March 2 and the quiet period until mid-April, Belichick will be based in Chapel Hill for the next few months. He can’t resume his travels until April 15, but recruits everywhere are eagerly anticipating his next visit.

“I didn’t think (Belichick taking the UNC job) would actually happen, but here we are,” said Jaire Richburg, a Class of 2026 wide receiver from East Forsyth High in North Carolina. “It’s Bill Belichick — he coached Tom Brady, Julian Edelman, Gronk. It’s crazy.”