Bill Belichick “handpicked” South Alabama transfer Gio Lopez as his first quarterback at North Carolina, as he awaits the development of four-star freshmen Bryce Baker and Au’Tori Newkirk and the arrival of Travis Burgess, a top-10 quarterback in the 2026 class.
UNC lost all but five of its 21 offensive linemen from last season’s roster, including starting left tackle Howard Sampson and All-America right guard Willie Lampkin.
The Tar Heels added 11 new offensive linemen this offseason, and Lopez’s distinctive skill set will help the Tar Heels tread water up front until the unit gels, CBS Sports and 247Sports national college football writer Chris Hummer reports.