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.

Former South Alabama quarterback Gio Lopez, one of the top passers in the spring transfer portal, has committed to North Carolina, he announced on social media Thursday.