Ex-UNC quarterback describes program as feeling 'like there's no air'

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Former North Carolina quarterback Gio Lopez had critical words for the Bill Belichick-run program in a recent interview after he transferred from the Tar Heels to Wake Forest.

Lopez transferred to North Carolina before the 2025 season from South Alabama. He played in 11 games for the Tar Heels and had 1,747 passing yards and 10 touchdown passes. North Carolina was 4-8 in Belichick’s first season at the helm.

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North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Gio Lopez celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Duke Blue Devils at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., on Nov. 22, 2025. (William Howard/Imagn Images)

The former Tar Heels quarterback has been critical of his time in North Carolina, and spoke out again in an interview with ESPN late last month.

"Back at the other school, it felt like there's no air," he told the outlet. "Here, it's fun again. They're moving us in the right direction, energized, and guys are enjoying football. It's like fresh air. I'd never had to respond to tough situations like that on that loud of a scale."

Belichick spent 24 seasons as the head coach of the NFL’s New England Patriots and guided the team to six Super Bowl titles. After leaving the Patriots, Belichick took the Tar Heels’ job and brought his NFL experience and professionalism to North Carolina.

Lopez said being at North Carolina felt "more like work."

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North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Gio Lopez looks to