Report: UNC QB Gio Lopez's leg injury not season-ending

Field Level Media|published: Mon 22nd September, 11:47 2025

NCAA Football: Richmond at North Carolina

Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Gio Lopez (7) looks to pass in the third quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

North Carolina quarterback Gio Lopez did not suffer a season-ending injury in Saturday's loss to UCF, On3 reported Monday.

Lopez departed in the third quarter of the Tar Heels' 34-9 defeat in Orlando, carted to the locker room after being helped off the field with an injury to his right leg.

North Carolina is targeting an early October return for Lopez, per the report. Coach Bill Belichick's Tar Heels (2-2) are idle this weekend before opening their ACC schedule at home against Clemson on Oct. 4.

Lopez completed 11 of 14 passes for 87 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions against the Knights before leaving with the injury. Backup Max Johnson was 11-of-19 passing for 67 yards and a touchdown.

Lopez, a transfer from South Alabama, has completed 62.7 percent of his passes for 430 yards with three TDs and three picks through four games. He has rushed for 69 yards and one score.

--Field Level Media