Gio Lopez Transfers to UNC, Boosts Quarterback Competition

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The University of North Carolina football program has secured a significant addition in quarterback Gio Lopez, who recently announced his commitment after transferring from South Alabama.

Lopez, a left-handed thrower, emerged as a star during his redshirt freshman season in 2024, completing 65.9% of his passes for 2,559 yards, 18 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. In addition to his strong passing performance, he showcased his mobility by rushing for 465 yards and scoring seven touchdowns.

The 6-foot, 220-pound product of Madison, Alabama, drew comparisons to NFL greats Michael Vick and Lamar Jackson due to his exceptional athleticism, speed, and quickness. “I only slid four times last season,” Lopez mentioned in an interview, emphasizing his aggressive playing style.

At South Alabama, Lopez set a program record for total offense in a single game, racking up 494 yards against North Texas, which included 432 passing yards and 62 rushing yards. Furthermore, he contributed to a historic performance by throwing four touchdown passes in a game where the Jaguars scored a school-record 87 points against Northwestern State.

Before joining the Jaguars, Lopez was a three-star recruit at James Clemens High School, where he threw for 2,767 yards and 29 touchdowns as a junior. He chose South Alabama over offers from Charlotte, Jacksonville State, Troy, and UAB.

Lopez’s arrival at North Carolina comes at a pivotal time for the Tar Heels, with Ryan Browne entering the transfer portal following spring practice. This leaves Lopez, along with veteran Max Johnson and freshman Bryce Baker, to compete for the starting position. Johnson, who is recovering from a season-ending injury from the prior season, adds another layer of intrigue to the competition.

While Lopez’s starting position is not guaranteed, he is expected to be a strong contender. The coaching staff, led by head coach Bill Belichick, prioritized recruiting Lopez, recognizing him as one of the best quarterbacks available in the transfer portal.

North Carolina’s football program is in a transitional phase, having lost several players to the transfer portal, but the addition of Lopez marks a crucial step toward building depth at the quarterback position. With the competition heating up, fans can look forward to an exciting showdown this fall.