The rumors about the UNC football program being heavily connected to Tennessee transfer Nico Iamaleava can now be put to rest.
Things escalated on Monday when a Crystal Ball prediction was placed for Iamaleava in favor of the Tar Heels. Just hours later, Pete Nakos cleared the air, advising that North Carolina was out of the mix for Iamaleava, but were heavily viewed as the favorites to land another transfer quarterback.
NEW: North Carolina is out of the mix for Tennessee transfer QB Nico Iamaleava, @PeteNakos_ reports❌
— On3 (@On3sports) April 14, 2025
The Tar Heels are viewed as the favorite to land South Alabama QB Gio Lopez. https://t.co/60ckCH3Fmc https://t.co/5OJAkHOrJp pic.twitter.com/S2AwQmBlqL
The UNC football program is now being heavily connected to South Alabama quarterback Gio Lopez. While Lopez isn't as high-profile as Iamaleava, the rising redshirt sophomore would be an interesting entry into the UNC football program's quarterback competition.
In his first season as a full-time starter, Lopez threw for 2,559 yards and 18 touchdowns. A left-handed quarterback, Lopez can also beat defenses with his legs, as he logged 465 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground this past season.
While Lopez wouldn't be a lock to start opening day, he would be an intriguing candidate. Barring any transfer portal entries on North Carolina's end, it could ultimately be a four-man race for the job (dependent on Max Johnson's health).
At this point, North Carolina is looking at every possible solution to add depth to its quarterback room, as Lopez would certainly fit the bill. Regardless of how things shape out before training camp begins, the Tar Heels battle at the quarterback position will be one of the most watched positional battles of any team in college football leading up to the official start of the Bill Belichick era.