The UNC football program's offense was one of the worst in all of college football during the 2025 season, and a lot of the blame went toward offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens and the brutal quarterback play from Gio Lopez and Max Johnson.
Kitchens was removed as the program's offensive coordinator, and Johnson already announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. Lopez, who certainly didn't live up to expectations in his first season at North Carolina, was a guy whose future in Chapel Hill was uncertain.
Well, now we have some clarity on the situation.
Gio Lopez expected to return
Pete Nakos of On3 confirmed that Lopez is expected to return to North Carolina for the 2026 season.