Just when we thought it couldn't get worse.
Starting quarterback Gio Lopez had a rough night in his UNC football debut, ultimately being forced to leave the game following a big hit that he took on the play below.
TD TCU! Fumble de Gio Lopez forçado por Jonathan Bax e Devean Deal retorna a bola pra end zone!
— collegefootball.com.br (@collegefootbr) September 2, 2025
TCU abre GOLEADA sobre North Carolina em plena Chapel Hill!pic.twitter.com/GLQJdpf7uo
Lopez was replaced by Max Johnson to start the next drive, an indication that his night could very well be over.
Before leaving the game, Lopez completed just four of 10 passing attempts for 70 yards. He threw a pick-6 in the second quarter and lost a fumble that was returned for a score (the play that resulted in the injury) during the third quarter.
The hope is that Lopez's injury is not serious, but his status will certainly be something to keep an eye on. While he wasn't immediately taken to the locker room, he was being evaluated in the medical tent on the sideline for an extended period of time.
Continue to follow the Keeping It Heel team as we'll provide the latest injury updates regarding Gio Lopez.