Barney Lopez still recalls the call that changed his son Gio’s trajectory. The undersized South Alabama quarterback, a 6‑foot prospect overlooked by Power Five schools, received an offer from Bill Belichick to become UNC’s starter. The deal, worth $2 million, sent Gio from a 7‑6 Sun Belt team to Kenan Stadium’s spotlight, where a 39‑yard completion sparked a rare UNC surge and instantly became a media sensation.

UNC’s 2025 campaign unraveled quickly. After a car accident days before kickoff, Gio managed just 4‑of‑10 passes, endured a two‑hour stretch without a completion, and missed the Clemson showdown. Losses to TCU, UCF and other Power‑4 foes left the Tar Heels winless in their first five games, and fans turned their ire toward the rookie quarterback and the program’s reputation suffered.

Transferring 80 miles north, Gio found redemption at Wake Forest, reuniting with former South Alabama coordinator Rob Ezell. Freed from UNC’s rigid pro‑style system, he now dances in weight‑room drills and jukes defenders in practice, describing the atmosphere as “fresh air.” Coach Jake Dickert’s “Built in the Dark” philosophy rewards the spontaneity that revived Gio’s joy and his on‑field impact for the Deacons this season.