Gio Lopez at ease with college life and football

CHAPEL HILL, N.C.- Gio Lopez, former All-State quarterback at James Clemens and twoyear player at the University of South Alabama (USA), landed at North Carolina through the transfer portal earlier this year and is as comfortable as one could be among a new school and football program, especially when his current 2025 season has been one similar to a rollercoaster ride. “It has been an up and down season for us but I truly believe we’ve gotten better and that is attributed to better execution of both our offense and defense,” said Lopez, who went to North Carolina to be starting quarterback for the Tar Heels led by first-year head coach Bill Belichick.

The Tar Heels began the 2025 season 2-1 with Lopez at the helm, but in game four on the schedule versus Central Florida, Lopez exited the game in the third quarter and was carted off the field. He suffered right hip and ankle injuries which put him on the sidelines through the next game versus Clemson.

Lopez returned to his starting quarterback position in game six against California, but things were afoul as North Carolina went on a four-game losing streak before running off two consecutive victories before losing to Wake Forest 28-12 last weekend putting the season record at 4-6. Lopez is 138-218, hitting 63-percent passing for 1,425 yards for 8 touchdowns, 5 interceptions for a 125.7 quarterback rating.

“I feel I’ve played better as the season has moved on by cleaning up my fundamentals and being on the same plan as the rest of the offense through better execution,” said Lopez. “My best asset is being a leader for the team, plus I feel I’m good at correcting broken down plays and keep moving the chains.”

The biggest talk within the North Carolina program is Coach Belichick, the name thrown around as the best in NFL history winning six Super Bowls as head coach of the New England Patriots before retiring from the pro ranks and taking the reins for the Tar Heels. Lopez was anxious to join Belichick after his transfer from USA. Lopez will be the first to tell you, even with the team’s wacky up and down play and his personal injury, he is very comfortable where he is on the team and with the legendary Belichick.

“I’m very comfortable and always have been as Coach Belichick has helped me personally, on and off the field,” said Lopez. ”He’s been very helpful in teaching me to watch game film and great second-half adjustments during games.”

Lopez is loving the college experience with his work in the classroom going well as he has a 3.0 grade point average in his studies in business and with two more years of eligibility remaining at the completion of what is his redshirt sophomore season. Away from the playing field, Lopez lives off campus and said his only roommate is his 18-month old dog, SoSaa, an adorable Frenchie. Lopez spends much of his personal time watching TV. He said he loves the campus life and is recognized by his fellow schoolmates.

His parents, Barney and Dee Lopez, attend most games to watch their left-handed throwing son at quarterback and his brother and sister also make games when possible. He loves what he calls, “The laid-back life.”

Lopez has come a long way from his start in Madison and even at one time thought his career was over when he underwent shoulder surgery as a junior at James Clemens.