Ex-UNC quarterback describes program as feeling 'like there's no air'
Gio Lopez calls Belichick's UNC program suffocating after transfer
Former North Carolina quarterback Gio Lopez described the Tar Heels program under Bill Belichick as feeling like "there's no air" in a recent ESPN interview after transferring to Wake Forest. Lopez contrasted the environment at UNC with his new team, calling Wake Forest "fresh air" where players enjoy football. He said UNC felt more like work, with nights spent dreading the next day after the first game.
Lopez transferred to North Carolina from South Alabama before the 2025 season and appeared in 11 games, passing for 1,747 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Tar Heels finished 4-8 in Belichick's debut season. Belichick, who coached the New England Patriots for 24 seasons and won six Super Bowls, brought NFL professionalism to the college program.
Lopez's father, Barney Lopez, also criticized UNC's handling of the situation as not best for college players. North Carolina general manager Mike Lombardi defended Belichick in March, telling the Pat McAfee Show that players stayed united amid rumors and attacks.
Lopez now shares Wake Forest's depth chart with redshirt freshman Steele Pizzella. The Demon Deacons, coached by Jake Dickert with offensive coordinator Rob Ezell, went 9-4 in 2025 and won the Duke's Mayo Bowl. They open the next season on Sept. 3 against Akron.
