North Carolina transfer getting another QB1 shot with Wake Forest after failed stint under Bill Belichick

On Tuesday, Wake Forest football named Gio Lopez its starting quarterback for the 2026 season, according to On3’s Pete Nakos. The redshirt junior transfer enters the season as the most experienced quarterback on the Demon Deacons’ roster.

Lopez spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons at South Alabama before transferring to North Carolina in 2025. He won the Tar Heels’ starting job but had a rocky campaign, completing 170 of 261 passes for 1,747 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. He completed 65.1% of his attempts while also producing 133 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. North Carolina finished 4-7 with Lopez as its starter.

Lopez’s season at UNC came as the program underwent a major quarterback transition under Bill Belichick. After the 2025 campaign, Lopez transferred out of the Tar Heels, joining Wake Forest for the 2026 season. UNC also saw Max Johnson, Bryce Baker and Lopez leave the program.

With the Demon Deacons, Lopez competed with redshirt freshman Steele Pizzella for the starting role during the spring and fall. Pizzella was Wake Forest’s third-string quarterback as a true freshman and did not complete his only pass attempt before redshirting. He originally committed to Washington State as a three-star recruit before joining the Demon Deacons.

Lopez ultimately secured the position because of his starting experience and his familiarity with Wake Forest offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Rob Ezell. Ezell previously served as South Alabama’s offensive coordinator in 2024, giving Lopez prior experience in his system.

The decision gives Lopez another QB1 opportunity after his one season at North Carolina. For his college career, he has thrown for 4,781 yards and 32 touchdowns while adding 12 rushing touchdowns.

The Demon Deacons will open their regular season against Akron at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium next week. Wake Forest is replacing Robby Ashford, who started all 11 games during his only season with the program and finished with a 7-4 record.

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