As training camp approaches, one of the big stories will be the early impressions of quarterback Gio Lopez. The transfer from South Alabama is expected to be the Week 1 starter when the Tar Heels play TCU on Labor Day.
His new teammates will be seeing him practice for the first time as well, but as Michael Koh reports, they're already impressed by what they've seen on film from South Alabama and with his golf swing during an outing to TopGolf.
It wasn’t until after spring practice season concluded that Gio Lopez made his move, trading in the keys to a powerful South Alabama offense for the unknown commodity of a UNC team featuring 70 newcomers.
— WCHL & Chapelboro (@WCHLChapelboro) July 28, 2025
Here’s how he’s adjusting to life as a Tar Heel:https://t.co/dOxis8vT2W
“He can spin it,” said defensive back Will Hardy. “I was watching film from his South Alabama days. Really good outside the pocket extending plays. The ball comes out of his hands very smoothly. He can really rip it.”
Lopez accounted for over 3,000 total yards and 25 touchdowns last season. Being the first UNC quarterback in the Bill Belichick era comes with a lot of expectations. For his part, Lopez says that he's been studying the film of quarterbacks that Belichick has coached over the years - particularly Jacoby Brissett and Matt Cassel.
"He's one of the greatest coaches of all time, if not the greatest," Lopez said to CBS Sports; Chris Hummer. "So, you know, being handpicked by him to be his quarterback is special. I want to live up to that."
Continuing with @UNCFootball, I had a chance to speak with QB Gio Lopez(@lopezgio1)! I asked the QB about his adjustment to UNC, how he has enjoyed the new offensive scheme, and, most importantly, his rankings of the top 5 best dressed players on the team. #ACC #CFB pic.twitter.com/KsIgmm3G1K
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) July 25, 2025
Kobe Paysour primed for bigger role in rebuilt offense
One of the other big uncertainties is exactly how the offense will look around Lopez. The offensive skill is relatively untested, and the running game will have a new identity without Omarion Hampton. Lopez will have to build chemistry in the passing game with an inexperienced group of receivers.
Expect Lopez to try to lean on senior Kobe Paysour, who had 20+ receptions as a sophomore and junior. At 6-foot-1, 190, Paysour has good size and showed some big-play ability by averaging over17 yards per catch. The group behind Paysour includes sophomore Jordan Shipp and Michigan State transfer Aziah Johnson.
The good news on offense is that the line returns three starters and the experience up front, especially with center Austin Blaske heading into his second year as a starter, should put Lopez at ease.