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Ex-North Carolina QB Gio Lopez transfers to Wake Forest

By Thomson Reuters Jan 7, 2026 | 7:00 PM

North Carolina quarterback Gio Lopez will continue his career 75 miles to the ‍west after signing with Wake Forest on Wednesday.

The Demon Deacons needed a new signal caller with Robby Ashford out of ‌eligibility.

Lopez passed for 1,747 ‌yards and 10 touchdowns against five interceptions in 2025 for the Bill Belichick-coached Tar Heels. He added three ​rushing scores.

Interestingly, Lopez didn’t lead North Carolina on ‍a single touchdown ​drive when the Atlantic ​Coast Conference rivals met this season. ‍Wake Forest limited the Tar Heels to four field goals in a 28-12 victory.

Lopez completed 21 of 36 passes ‍for 201 yards against the Demon Deacons.

Lopez played at South Alabama for ‍two ‍seasons prior to transferring ​to North Carolina. He ​was ⁠the Jaguars’ starter in ‌2024 and passed for 2,559 yards with 18 touchdowns and five interceptions, while also rushing for 463 yards and seven scores.

–Field ⁠Level Media