UNC Turns Outside Noise Into Fuel for Motivation

North Carolina entered Friday’s game at Cal surrounded by distractions. Headlines questioned the locker room. Social media dissected the coaching staff. Rumors suggested the program was divided. Inside the building, however, the Tar Heels had a different message.

unc — Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Demon June (35) celebrates with quarterback Gio Lopez (7) after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Quarterback Gio Lopez said the team used the talk around them as fuel. “There was a little bit of noise every week,” Lopez said.

“After the Clemson game, it was like there was something new every day. You don’t want to read into it, but guys see it and think, that’s not even close to true. At some point, we were just like, why are we even listening to this? We know what’s going on in our building.”

UNC quarterback Gio Lopez will be the Tar Heels' starting quarterback in the season opener against TCU. | Rodd Baxley/The Fayetteville Observer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Lopez said the constant outside chatter helped bring players closer together. “We heard bad thing after bad thing during the bye week,” he said.

"But we just put our heads down and worked. We got good practices in, and it showed tonight. We didn’t get the outcome we wanted, but it was a step in the right direction.”

Turning Frustration Into Focus

Lopez looked sharp against Cal, showing poise and command in the pocket. He said being healthy for the first time this season made a difference. “This is the best I’ve felt all year,” Lopez said. “It just felt good to play at one hundred percent and not worry about pain or anything else.”

unc — Oct 17, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Gio Lopez (7) evades tackle by California Golden Bears linebacker Cade Uluave (0) in the second quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images | Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

Late in the game, when receiver Nathan Leacock fumbled near the goal line, Lopez immediately approached him. “Of course he wanted to score,” Lopez said. “But the first thing I told him was, we’re going to get the ball back. You can’t be down. You just have to keep playing.”

For Lopez, that kind of response reflects the team’s maturity and connection. “It’s about being a good teammate,” he said. “I’ve been in that situation before, and you just have to pick each other up.”

Blocking Out the Distractions

Much of the recent attention around UNC football has centered on internal chemistry and coaching criticism. Lopez said those conversations have not affected the team’s focus. “For us, it’s about keeping the noise outside and not worrying about it,” he said. “Coach Belichick has been really good for us, keeping us steady and not distracted by anything going on outside. He’s been awesome.”

unc — Oct 4, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Max Johnson (14) looks to pass in the second quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Players said the bye week played a key role in resetting the team’s mindset. “It was really good for us,” Lopez said. “We grew as a team and as a group. We’re all still new to each other, but we built chemistry. It was a really good reset.”

Finding Confidence Through Chaos

Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Gio Lopez (7) looks to pass as Richmond Spiders defensive back Devin Geronomi (22) defends in the first quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Despite the loss, the Tar Heels left Berkeley feeling encouraged by what they saw. Wide receiver Kobe Paysour turned in one of his most consistent performances, which Lopez said was no surprise. “Kobe’s always been that guy,” Lopez said. “He’s been great in practice and had a great camp. Tonight it just showed. He’s a great player, and I’m proud of him.”

unc — Oct 17, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Gio Lopez (7) throws against the California Golden Bears in the first quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images | Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

For Lopez, the message was clear. “Everyone wants to talk, but we know what’s true,” he said. “We’re getting better every week, and that’s all that matters.”

North Carolina still has work to do, but the energy around the locker room has shifted. What was once a distraction has become a motivator, and the Tar Heels seem determined to let their play do the talking.

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