When Bill Belichick arrived at Chapel Hill, he quickly headed down to recruiting blue-chip prospects. Nearly a year later, his recruiting efforts haven’t slowed down. Now, much to Belichick’s delight, North Carolina might get the accidental attention of 8-time Pro Bowler Phillip Rivers’s son, Gunner Rivers.

Next weekend, the Tar Heels will enter their season finale against the NC State Wolfpack, and Gunner Rivers will be present to evaluate NFL legend Bill Belichick’s program. With just one commit in his 2027 class in three-star Skylar Robinson, Belichick will certainly be looking to expand his 2027 class. Although Gunner’s primary interest lies in NC State rather than the Tar Heels, it wouldn’t hurt if Belichick’s programs catch his attention. A four-star prospect holding sixth rank as a quarterback in the Class of 2027, his (if)commitment will surely bolster either program’s 2027 class overall.

Over the season, he has thrown for 2,813 yards and 44 touchdowns, leading St. Michael Catholic to a spotless 13-0 record.

“4-Star QB Gunner Rivers is Taking an Unofficial Visit to NC State Next Saturday for the UNC Game,” Pack Insider wrote.

Back in October, On3’s Noah Fleischman had reported the possibility of him attending the game-day against North Carolina at Carter-Finley Stadium.

His dad, Phillip Rivers, is a celebrated Wolfpack alum. A Hall of Fame inductee whose NCAA records are still the source of pride at Raleigh. With 13,484 career passing yards during his tenure at NC State, Phillip Rivers holds the fourth rank in the NCAA’s history to date. Naturally, the Wolfpack was eager to offer a scholarship to his son, continuing on that legacy. They were the first program to extend their interest in the four-star recruit.

Head coach Dave Doeren offered him a scholarship in May 2024, while he was still a sophomore. During that tenure, he had an equally celebrated record, culminating in 7,024 passing yards and 70 total touchdowns, which made him a highly sought-after recruit. Six months later, he received a visit from NC State’s running backs coach, Kurt Roper, in November 2024. Since then, he has been on an unofficial visit to NC State in March 2025, signalling a heavy interest in his father’s alma mater.

Auburn, Alabama, in the mix to land Gunner Rivers

Auburn remains a strong contender in Gunner Rivers’ recruitment. They extended the offer to him in January this year, with his visit soon lined up after his trip to NC State. Again, on Nov. 1, he was present at Jordan-Hare Stadium for the Auburn vs Kentucky matchup. However, Auburn faced a heartbreaking upset, 3-10. The Tigers’ interest in him hasn’t dimmed a dallop.

Texas Longhorns are another program vying for his commitment. In June 2025, he was present in Austin, touring Steve Sarkisian’s million-dollar athletic facility, with Longhorns’ co-offensive coordinator AJ Milwee visiting St Michael’s campus.

With a stacked resume, another SEC powerhouse has expressed its interest. Since Gunner is an Alabama native, boasting the No. 1 ranking across the state, Alabama is another program on the list of those watching his development. In January 2025, Al.com reported that Kalen DeBoer had visited Fairhope, a positive indication of the Crimson Tide’s interest in him. As of now, he has yet to receive an offer.

As of now, even the NFL legend himself is not aware of his son’s decision. “I don’t know if he has any favorites at this point,” Philip Rivers told al.com. “He’s been an all-NFL guy over the years. He never really had any college favorites. It will be interesting to see what happens.”

Presently, Miami, South Carolina, Georgia, Boston College, and others are also in the mix.