UNC Scoops Top Transfer QB in Blockbuster Move with NFL Legend

In the ever-churning world of college football, where the only constant is change, what does a legend like Bill Belichick do next after clinching a very public relationship status update? Well, he dives back into the gridiron fray, proving that even at 70, the thirst for victory is unquenched. The University of North Carolina’s latest quarterback acquisition through the transfer portal, Gio Lopez from South Alabama, might just be the fresh ink in the playbook Belichick needs.

Lopez, a redshirt sophomore with a commendable resume, brings a mix of experience and potential to Chapel Hill. Despite a whirlwind of rumors linking the Tar Heels with other prospects, like Nico Iamaleava heading to UCLA, Belichick moved decisively to secure Lopez, who announced his commitment to UNC on X/Twitter. With each decision in the transfer portal, the stakes get higher, and for Lopez, it was a swift journey from entering the portal to proclaiming “Excited and grateful, go Heels!” on social media.

The leap to play under Belichick, a coach who has seen enough greatness to tell it from far, is both daunting and exhilarating. Lopez noted, “Coach Belichick [is] very straightforward. He’s seen greatness before, and he knows what he wants and is looking for.” LEARN MORE [No URL provided in your context]

Bill Belichick and the University of North Carolina have added a quarterback out of the transfer portal.

The Tar Heels had been linked to Nico Iamaleava, but ultimately declined to make a push for the former Tennessee signal caller, who appears destined for UCLA. Belichick’s program also lost a QB to the portal, Ryan Browne, who previously transferred to UNC from Purdue back in December.

With room on the depth chart, UNC picked up a commitment from South Alabama transfer Gio Lopez, who was mentioned as a likely target by reports earlier this week.

Lopez announced his commitment on X/Twitter a short time ago.

Excited and grateful, go Heels!🐏 @UNCFootball pic.twitter.com/1qpdXxsHXa

— Gio Lopez 7️⃣ (@lopezgio1) April 18, 2025

For Lopez, it was a short stint in the transfer portal. The 6-foot, 220-pound lefthander entered the portal Wednesday morning when it officially opened.

It didn’t take him long to decide UNC was his next destination.

“[Bill Belichick and I] have had phone conversations, as he is very straightforward. He’s seen greatness before, and he knows what he wants and is looking for,” Lopez said, via Inside Carolina. “For me, to go to North Carolina would be a great opportunity, as Coach Belichick has so much to teach and offer any college football player. This could be a once-in-a-lifetime chance for me as the program has several ex-NFL coaches on staff who can make a difference.”

As a true freshman in 2023, Lopez appeared in five game with one start. He was named MVP of the True Ventures Bowl after producing nearly 300 yards of total offense and four touchdowns in a 59-10 win over Eastern Michigan.

In 2024, Lopez threw for 2,559 yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions. He also ran for 463 yards and seven touchdowns.

Lopez maintained a redshirt year for 2023 because he only appeared in four regular season games, so the Madison, Alabama native has three years of eligibility remaining.

His chief competition for the starting job in Chapel Hill will be former LSU and Texas A&M QB Max Johnson.

Related: Bill Belichick Lands Transfer From Deion Sanders’ Colorado