Bill Belichick has made his first big splash in the transfer portal since he took over as the head coach at North Carolina.
Former South Alabama quarterback Gio Lopez announced via social media on Thursday that he has committed to UNC.
Lopez completed 66% of his passes for 2,559 yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions as a redshirt freshman at South Alabama last season. He made 11 starts and led the Jaguars to a 6-5 record in those games.
The 6-foot, 220-pound Lopez is a dual-threat quarterback, as he also rushed for 465 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
North Carolina was in need of a quarterback upgrade after it struggled at the position last season. Max Johnson entered the year as UNC’s starter but suffered a season-ending leg injury in the Tar Heels’ first game. Jacolby Criswell was then thrust into a starting role and completed just 58.1% of his passes for 2,459 yards, 15 touchdowns and six interceptions. Criswell transferred to East Tennessee State in January.
Johnson had been planning to return to UNC next year, but the addition of Lopez could change his plans. Lopez will enter 2025 as the favorite to start for the Tar Heels.
