TCU Now Knows Which QB They Will Face in Week One

TCU now has one less mystery to solve before its Week One trip to Chapel Hill. North Carolina has officially named Gio Lopez as its starting quarterback for the Labor Day opener, giving the Horned Frogs a clear target to prepare for.

Lopez, a left-handed transfer from South Alabama, was announced as the starter on Wednesday, edging out an impressive group of signal callers. For a TCU defense looking to make an early-season statement, that kind of clarity is valuable.

Lopez is no stranger to production. Last season, he threw for over 2,500 yards with 18 touchdowns and just five interceptions, while adding seven scores on the ground. Reports from this summer’s Manning Passing Academy pointed to Lopez impressing scouts with his quick decision-making and mobility. That momentum, paired with a strong fall camp, was enough to convince first-year head coach (well, kind of) Bill Belichick to hand him the reins heading into his debut.

From TCU’s perspective, the announcement streamlines everything. There is no need to split prep between multiple quarterback styles or waste early film sessions on hypotheticals. The Frogs can zero in on how to attack a mobile lefty making his first Power Four start. Defensive coordinator Andy Avalos has the benefit of facing a polished but inexperienced signal-caller, and that opens the door for pressure looks, disguised coverage, and forcing early decisions.

On the other side, Josh Hoover returns for TCU after throwing for nearly 4,000 yards last season. His experience and confidence should give the Frogs a clear advantage at the most important position. While national attention may focus on Belichick’s debut and Lopez’s ceiling, Sonny Dykes and his staff are more concerned with limiting that upside and controlling the tone early.

North Carolina might have found its starter, but TCU now has its focus. With Lopez named QB1, the Frogs can tailor their Week One strategy to exploit inexperience and momentum. The lights will be bright in Chapel Hill, and TCU just got a better view of where to aim.