Tue Sep 02 02:20:00 UTC 2025: **Belichick’s First College Move: Rookie QB Gets the Nod, Veteran Benched**
**Chapel Hill, NC** – In a surprising move that echoes his early days in New England, legendary coach Bill Belichick has named redshirt sophomore Gio Lopez as the starting quarterback for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels’ season opener against Texas Christian University (TCU) on Monday. This marks Belichick’s highly anticipated debut as a college coach after his departure from the NFL.
The decision comes at the expense of veteran quarterback Max Johnson, a transfer student with four years of SEC experience from LSU and Texas A&M. Johnson had hoped to succeed Drake Maye, who was drafted by the Patriots. Johnson suffered a broken leg last year and has been unable to usurp Lopez from the starting role despite being fully recovered.
Lopez, who transferred from South Alabama, arrived at UNC with a reported $4 million NIL deal. Last season, he threw for 2,559 yards, 18 touchdowns, and five interceptions.
The decision has raised eyebrows, with many questioning Belichick’s choice to bench the experienced Johnson. Some draw parallels to Belichick’s 2001 decision to start a young Tom Brady over an injured Drew Bledsoe in New England, a move that would launch a dynasty.
Johnson, whose father is former NFL quarterback Brad Johnson, has a reputation for resilience. His girlfriend, YouTube content creator Adrienne Jane Davis, has shown unwavering support. In the meantime, Johnson will be sidelined as Belichick evaluates Lopez’s potential to lead the Tar Heels.
First Piper 