North Carolina coach Bill Belichick is turning to senior quarterback Max Johnson to start Saturday’s game against Clemson, a source told ESPN.
Gio Lopez, who opened the season as the Tar Heels starter, is a game-time decision because of a lower body injury, but if he is available, he will serve as Johnson’s backup, the source said.
Johnson replaced the injured Lopez two weeks ago during a 34-9 loss to UCF. He also played during the season-opening blowout loss to TCU and has gone 20-for-30 for 170 yards with two touchdowns.
Those two games were his first action since suffering a catastrophic leg injury suffered in the 2024 opener at Minnesota.
Lopez has completed 42 of 67 passes for 430 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions for the 2-2 Tar Heels.
