UNC quarterback Gio Lopez took a hard hit in the third quarter against TCU Monday night that resulted in a fumble scoop and score. While the touchdown angered fans, the more pressing matter was that Lopez was shaken up after the play and ended up in the medical tent on the sideline. As the fourth quarter started, Lopez was seen hobbling back to the locker room.
It is clear in the video below that Lopez was in some serious pain as he walked into the tunnel; he could barely move or stand. ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe gave an update that said while UNC didn't have an official update, Lopez was seen going into the locker room and collapsing, screaming in pain.
"One of our cameramen told me that as he went through the doors, he just collapsed and started screaming," Rowe said.
Gio Lopez hobbling off the field like this makes it seem like a serious injury at QB for Bill Belichick. A rough night overall for the Heels pic.twitter.com/5D2eG6s3M6
— Braulio Perez (@BraulioEPerez) September 2, 2025
No official update has been given on Lopez's condition, but based on the amount of pain he looked to be in, it isn't looking good for the transfer quarterback. It seems to be some sort of back/hip injury, which could take some time to heal.
If Lopez can't go, it will most likely be Max Johnson leading the UNC offense as he did for the rest of the game last night after Lopez went down. Before leaving the game, Lopez was just 4-for-10 with 69 passing yards and an interception. Once Johnson entered the game, he finished 9-for-11 with 103 passing yards and one touchdown pass.
The passing game was simply not in the cards for the Tar Heels last night as TCU's defense seemed to lock it down. UNC's debut with Bill Belichick was not what Tar Heel fans had expected or wanted. Other than the first drive of the game, everything went downhill from there.
There is hope that Lopez will clear all testing and be back on the field for the Tar Heels, but once an update is provided, Keeping it Heel will report on it.