UNC's plan at quarterback for Clemson shouldn't be a difficult decision

How should Bill Belichick handle the quarterback position leading up to the start of ACC play?
Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick on the field before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick on the field before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Bill Belichick has always been a guy who keeps things tight-lipped regarding his football teams.

Based on what we know about Belichick, he's the type of guy who probably wouldn't disclose information to even his immediate family. Yes, that includes Jordon Hudson, his girlfriend.

With the UNC football program's ACC opener against Clemson looming, Belichick and the Tar Heels have to decide on who will get the nod at quarterback. Will Gio Lopez be healthy enough to get the start, or will North Carolina need to turn to Max Johnson?

The decision shouldn't be very difficult.

North Carolina should roll with Max Johnson, at least for this week's contest. There's two major reasons why that is the case.

For starters, Lopez has been limited in practice due to injury. Belichick admitted that Lopez did not practice at all last week during the "bye week," and, as of Tuesday morning, was still in doubt to take the field.

Is it really wise to throw Lopez, who likely won't be 100% and hasn't practiced much, out on the field against Clemson?

To add to that, the offense has looked better with Johnson leading the charge. Lopez has been one of the worst quarterbacks in the country through four games played, struggling to really get into a rhythm.

In both appearances in relief, Johnson has done a solid job, helping orchestrate some touchdown drives for the offensive unit. Johnson has proven that he's healthy following his gruesome injury a season ago and is chomping at the bit for another opportunity for significant playing time, as this week might just be the best time to experiment with it.

North Carolina's offense could certainly use a spark, one that maybe Johnson could provide. At this point, it doesn't hurt to try, especially given it would give Lopez an additional two weeks to recover from his injury.

If Johnson plays well, he could earn himself another starting opportunity two weeks from Saturday. In the event he struggles, Belichick could immediately turn back to Lopez, citing that he's fully healthy and ready to go.

The decision for this week should be an easy one for the UNC football program, as Max Johnson should be the guy taking the field with the starting offense on Saturday afternoon.

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