In just six months, Bill Belichick has put together an impressive quarterback room at UNC, utilizing the transfer portal to make immediate improvements while building up young depth through high school recruiting.
The big news today about Class of 2026 QB commit Travis Burgess moving into the top 100 nationally just confirms the priority this staff has placed on having a professional, stable quarterback room.
Gio Lopez, a transfer from South Alabama, is projected to be the starter this season. Lopez has a full-year as a starter under his belt where he accumulated over 3,000 total yards. He's a threat with the ball in his hands and has attempted to make significant strides as a passer this offseason.
@UNCFootball QB transfer Gio Lopez from South Alabama had a 105.5 passer rating against LSU last year as a redshirt frosh. Completed 17-23 passes #GoHeels pic.twitter.com/fC68x8ikPS
— Clint Brewster (@clintbrew247) April 18, 2025
Behind Lopez is Max Johnson, who is going into his sixth season. Johnson was the Week 1 starter last season against Minnesota, but he suffered a season-ending leg injury during the game. He started a full season at LSU in 2021 and threw 27 touchdowns. Johnson has also spent time at Texas A&M.
Lopez and Johnson will test each other in training camp, but it's more likely that Johnson will be relegated to backup duties, making him one of the most experienced backups in the nation.
Summertime Work, Getting Closer! @InsideCarolina @HeelIllustrated #UNC #MaxJohnson #DCMOB pic.twitter.com/wS5C3vcg54
— Max Johnson (@MaxJohnson14) May 15, 2025
Belichick's first recruiting win was retaining top QB prospect
There wasn't much time for recruiting when Belichick was hired by UNC on December 11, 2024. The Early Signing Period was a week away and Belichick was busy putting together his staff and evaluating prospects that were going into the transfer portal.
But Belichick focused on retaining in-state quarterback Bryce Baker. He understood the importance of having a young quarterback to build a foundation around. While the plan is likely for Baker to be part of the competition in 2026, don't be surprised if the true freshman receives a few snaps this season.
Currently UNC has a top 20 recruiting class with Burgess sitting as the centerpiece among several blue-chip prospects. It's a masterful recruiting job done by one of the best coaches to ever step on a sideline. And it will set the Tar Heels up at the most important position on the field for at least the next three seasons.