Gio Lopez Injury: Doesn't return after injury

Lopez (leg) didn't return to Saturday's 42-19 loss to NC State and was spotted walking out of the locker room with a boot on his left leg and crutches, Noah Weiskopf of 247Sports reports.

Lopez completed 11 of 16 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown before exiting the game. Max Johnson (8-for-15, 54 yards) and Au'Tori Newkirk (3-for-5, 23 yards) replaced him, but Lopez is the undisputed starter when healthy. The Tar Heels finished the season with a 4-8 record and went 2-6 in ACC play, so Lopez won't play again in 2025.