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Bill Belichick, North Carolina Add Young QB via Transfer Portal to Compete for Starting Job

The UNC Tar Heels are working the phones heading into next season.
Michael Kadlick|
Former South Alabama Jaguars quarterback Gio Lopez.
Former South Alabama Jaguars quarterback Gio Lopez. | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

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North Carolina Tar HeelsSouth Alabama Jaguars

Bill Belichick and the UNC Tar Heels are set to reload at the quarterback position after losing Ryan Browne to the NCAA transfer portal this week.

As he announced on social media, former South Alabama quarterback Gio Lopez has committed to North Carolina.

ESPN's Eli Lederman, who also reported the news, revealed that Belichick and the Tar Heels have been "on the prowl" looking for a starting quarterback this spring. "They've got one now in Lopez," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "One of the G5's most productive dual-threat passers in 2024."

Lopez started 12 games for the South Alabama Jaguars over the last two seasons, posting a 6–6 record while throwing for 3,034 yards, 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 619 yards and an additional nine touchdowns.

He'll now compete to start for the Tar Heels, who also have signal caller Max Johnson and Bryce Baker on the roster.

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Mike Kadlick
MICHAEL KADLICK

Mike Kadlick is an NFL writer for Sports Illustrated. He’s also a New England Patriots reporter for CLNS Media, where he hosts the Patriots Daily podcast and covers the beat from Gillette Stadium. Before joining SI, Kadlick worked at WEEI sports radio in Boston. He holds a master’s degree in public relations from Boston University. When Kadlick’s not covering football, he can be found running, spending time with his wife and dog, and enjoying all things pizza.

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