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UNC quarterback Gio Lopez details what it means to win 2025 starting job
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- UNC quarterback Gio Lopez details what it means to win 2025 starting job
All offseason long, fans wondered whom the North Carolina Tar Heels would name their 2025 starting quarterback . UNC returned longtime SEC veteran and initial 2024 starter Max Johnson , landed 4-star QB Bryce Baker after a storied career at East Forsyth High School, plus recruited dual-threat quarterback Gio Lopez from South Alabama.
On Wednesday, Tar Heel Nation finally got its long-awaited answer, with Bill Belichick naming Lopez the starter . This was the right decision: Lopez thrived in 2024 as a starter, Johnson broke his leg at Minnesota and Baker hasn't played a snap of college football.
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Shortly after earning the starting nod, Lopez spoke to media about what it means to earn that honor.
"I'm super thankful for the opportunity," Lopez said on Wednesday. "Coach (Belichick) told me a little bit before, but nothing too crazy. Just kind of told me I looked good during the fall camp, and told me that I'm gonna take the reins of the offense. Just thankful for the opportunity. Talking to my dad, it's like, 'Man, you're gonna be Coach Belichick's first starting quarterback in college.'"
To make his starting opportunity sweeter, Lopez will carry a fun nickname into Game 1 on Monday night: Magic Johnson, just like the NBA Hall of Famer.
Lopez didn't earn his nickname from basketball skills, though, but instead his ability to make flashy plays during August practices.
North Carolina fans should be super excited about the playmaking abilities Lopez brings . During his 2024 season at South Alabama, his first as a starter, Lopez threw for 2,559 yards, 18 touchdowns, ran for 465 yards and seven additional scores.
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How will Lopez fare Monday night against TCU , his first game at a Power Four school? UNC finally has its guy – and gives plenty to be excited about this fall.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC quarterback Gio Lopez "super thankful" to win 2025 starting job
