'Magic' in the making: No-look pass earns nickname for UNC starting QB Gio Lopez

Posted Aug 28, 2025
When UNC Football takes the field against TCU on Monday, it’ll be a new era in Chapel Hill with Gio Lopez, a transfer from South Alabama who his teammates now call Magic, starting at quarterback. The story behind the nickname isn’t complicated. It was something that happened at practice that reminded many of the passing of NBA legend Magic Johnson. (Tar Heel Tribune)

Related: Football, Football Recruiting

Caleb Pickrell Now Listed as North Carolina’s Tight Ends Coach
Former offensive assistant Caleb Pickrell is now officially listed as North Carolina’s tight ends coach in his profile page on the school’s website. Pickrell has...
Sun Apr 19, 2026

Offensive Lineman Christo Kelly has 'Deeper Sense of Gratitude' in his Final Spring
Finally healthy and rolling through spring practice, North Carolina offensive lineman Christo Kelly cannot wait for the games to arrive. "Feel great. A hundred percent...
Sun Apr 19, 2026

Melkart Abou Jaoude Ready to Lead UNC's Defense After Breakout Season
Following a breakout season that earned Melkart Abou Jaoude second-team All-ACC honors, the defensive lineman opted to remain at UNC for his redshirt senior season,...
Fri Apr 17, 2026

Which Young Football Tar Heels Are Standing Out?
UNC defensive end Melkart Abou-Jaoude was asked which true freshmen have stood out to him on defense. Almost right away, "David Jackson" emanated from his...
Wed Apr 15, 2026