UNC lands South Alabama transfer Lopez

North Carolina added to its quarterback room Thursday by landing South Alabama transfer Gio Lopez.

Lopez, who has three seasons of eligibility left, received interest from multiple Power 4 schools. He said he's "excited and grateful" while announcing his commitment to the Tar Heels on social media.

The dynamic lefty's deal with North Carolina is worth $4 million over two years, sources told ESPN's Eli Lederman. Georgia and LSU reportedly also had discussions with him this spring.

Lopez completed 66% of his passes for 2,559 yards and 18 touchdowns against five interceptions in 11 appearances in 2024 to go along with 463 rushing yards and seven TDs on the ground. He ranked third in the Sun Belt in yards per pass attempt (8.2).

North Carolina was also linked to passer Nico Iamaleava, but it was recently reported that the Tar Heels were out of the mix for Iamaleava, who's expected to join UCLA.

Lopez joins a UNC quarterback depth chart that features Max Johnson and freshman Bryce Baker. Johnson is returning after sustaining a season-ending broken leg in September.

The Tar Heels head into the 2025 season as one of the nation's most intriguing teams after hiring Bill Belichick as head coach to replace Mack Brown.