UNC lands ex-South Alabama QB Gio Lopez: Why the transfer has a shot at the starting job
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick and general manager Michael Lombardi may have found the Tar Heels' next quarterback, and he comes from the Group of 5 ranks via the transfer portal.
Former South Alabama quarterback Gio Lopez announced his commitment to North Carolina on Thursday night, ending a swift recruitment as the Tar Heels looked to bolster the position.
Excited and grateful, go Heels!🐏 @UNCFootball pic.twitter.com/1qpdXxsHXa
— Gio Lopez 7️⃣ (@lopezgio1) April 18, 2025
UNC was speculated to be a potential landing spot for former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava after the Volunteers parted ways with him, but the Tar Heels had already targeted Lopez and thus did not seriously pursue Iamaleava, according to a report by On3. Iamaleava is expected to transfer to UCLA.
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Lopez had a solid first year as the Jaguars' full-time starter in 2024, throwing for 2,559 yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions in 11 starts. He completed 66 percent of his passes and rushed for 463 yards and seven touchdowns, leading South Alabama to an appearance in the Salute to Veterans Bowl, which he missed with an injury.
The Tar Heels had an unsettled quarterback situation. Max Johnson — last year's opening night starter — is returning from a significant leg injury. Purdue transfer Ryan Browne, who joined the Tar Heels following the winter portal window, re-entered the portal Wednesday, the first day of the spring portal window. True freshman Bryce Baker, a four-star recruit in the 2025 class, joined the team in January.
Lopez adds talent and experience to the position for the Tar Heels and will be in good position to compete for the starting job. He has three years of eligibility remaining.
South Alabama originally signed Lopez as part of its 2023 class. Lopez had Group of 5 and FCS offers and made five appearances as a true freshman before taking the reins in 2024. The Jaguars have lost multiple starters in the 2024-25 transfer portal cycle, including Lopez, starting running back Fluff Bothwell (Mississippi State), cornerbacks Jordan Scruggs (West Virginia) and Amarion Fortenberry (Kansas State) and offensive tackle Malachi Carney, who entered the portal Wednesday.
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