North Carolina coach Bill Belichick will have a new quarterback to work with for Saturday's game against Clemson. According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, Max Johnson will get his first start since last year's season opener.
Gio Lopez had been the day one starter, but his status was a game-time decision due to a lower body injury. He will serve as Johnson's backup, Thamel added. Johnson was inserted during the 34-9 loss to UCF two weeks ago. He has gone 20-for-30 for 170 yards with two touchdowns this season.
Johnson suffered a leg injury in the 2024 opener at Minnesota but has staged a good comeback. The former four-star recruit is the son of Super Bowl-winning QB Brad Johnson.
Lopez has completed 42-of-67 passes for 430 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions thus far in the season.
This comes at a key time for the Tar Heels offense who is still trying to find consistency in ACC play. The game with Clemson carried an interesting storyline for both teams. It could result in a signature win for Belichick with Dabo Swinney's team sinking rapidly. On the other hand, the Tigers are desperate to get back on track.
UNC welcomes Clemson into Chapel Hill (Noon ET, ESPN).
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