Belichick and the Tar Heels chose pursuing Lopez over former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who is also in the transfer portal. Following his commitment to North Carolina, Lopez sent out a five-word message to the team and Belichick on social media. "Excited and grateful, go Heels!" the post read.

North Carolina has made its first major transfer portal addition under new coach Bill Belichick. The Tar Heels are signing former South Alabama quarterback Gio Lopez ahead of the 2025 season. Lopez entered the transfer portal on Wednesday after he was the team’s starter in 2024, and he quickly committed to the Tar Heels.