Bill Belichick and the Tar Heels Express Massive Excitement On A Huge Commitment Of A Significant Player
The spring transfer portal has officially begun, and North Carolina made a significant move on Thursday night.
Quarterback Gio Lopez, a sophomore from South Alabama, committed to Bill Belichick and the Tar Heels. The 6-foot left-handed player passed for 2,559 yards and 18 touchdowns last season with the Jaguars, in addition to rushing for 465 yards and seven touchdowns. South Alabama finished the 2024 season with a 7-6 record.
Excited and grateful, go Heels!🐏 @UNCFootball pic.twitter.com/1qpdXxsHXa
— Gio Lopez 7️⃣ (@lopezgio1) April 18, 2025
North Carolina definitely has some gaps to address during the spring transfer portal window. On the first day of this cycle, the Tar Heels saw 12 players enter the portal. It’s difficult to determine how significant these losses will be, as information on UNC’s spring practices under new head coach Bill Belichick has been sparse. However, the sheer number of departures and the familiarity with certain players suggest that roster changes are likely. The quarterback position is a key area of focus.
When Nico Iamaleava entered the transfer portal following his issues with Tennessee, several sources mentioned North Carolina as a potential destination. Although no formal discussions have been confirmed, this signaled that the Tar Heels would be looking to bolster their QB depth in the portal. This need became more pressing when former transfer commit Ryan Browne rejoined the portal on Wednesday night.
With Lopez’s commitment, he will now join a quarterback group that includes graduate senior Max Johnson and freshman four-star Bryce Baker. Johnson is still recovering from a significant leg injury sustained at Minnesota in 2024, and it’s uncertain whether he will be ready for the start of the 2025 season. Baker participated in a few snaps during last week’s “Practice Like a Pro” workout, but as the No. 11-ranked QB in his class, he may not be prepared to start for UNC so early in his college career.
Lopez could be the immediate solution for North Carolina at quarterback. Notably, as early as the discussions surrounding Iamaleava, On3 had identified the Tar Heels as a team to watch for Lopez prior to the opening of the spring portal. This addition seems more than just a depth move due to circumstances; it appears to be a strategic acquisition. With Browne’s exit and uncertainty in other areas, the Madison, Alabama native looks poised to be the frontrunner to start in Week 1 under Bill Belichick.
No Comment! Be the first one.