July 19, 2025

North Carolina quarterback competition: the rookie, the vet, the transfer

A man wearing a navy blue cap and a navy blue jacket with the University of North Carolina logo, standing on a football field, engaged in conversation with a person in a hoodie and red vest.

With the 2025 college football season just around the corner, one of the biggest storylines in the country is six-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick taking over the North Carolina football program. With the Belichick hire taking the spotlight, many fans are overlooking the highly-anticipated quarterback competition that is unfolding in summer workouts. Here's what you need to know about each quarterback.

Freshman Bryce Baker

Baker is a 6-3 freshman from Kernersville, N.C. Ranked the No. 12 quarterback in his 2025 class and the No. 5 best player from the state, Baker has a lot of potential. In his senior season in high school, Baker led East Forsyth to a 10-2 record and the second round of North Carolina's 4A playoffs, throwing for 3,082 yards and 39 touchdowns. Baker has been described by scouts as being a mobile signal caller who is effective on designed runs and excels at throwing the long ball. 

Senior Max Johnson

Johnson is a 6-5 senior from Watkinsville, Ga. Before transferring to North Carolina in 2024, Johnson played at SEC powerhouses LSU and Texas A&M. In his best season as a 12-game starter for LSU in 2021, Johnson threw for 2,814 yards and 27 touchdowns, with only six interceptions. Johnson started the first game of the season for UNC last year against Minnesota before suffering a season-ending leg injury later that game in the third quarter.

Redshirt Sophomore Gio Lopez

Lopez is a 6-0 redshirt sophomore from Madison, Ala. Before transferring to North Carolina a few months ago, Lopez spent two seasons at South Alabama where he finished as a full-time starter. Last year, Lopez threw for 2,559 yards and 18 touchdowns, with only 5 interceptions. Lopez also ran for 465 yards and 7 touchdowns. Lopez's 72.3 QBR last season was also the 30th best in the country. 

What's my prediction on who will start for Belichick and the Tar Heels? From what I'm hearing, Gio Lopez is the favorite to win the job, with some analysts ranking Lopez as high as the seventh-best quarterback in the ACC. However, don't be surprised if Johnson sees some action if Lopez struggles early.