Two former UNC quarterbacks announce transfer portal destinations
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The UNC football team entered its 2026 offseason with three quarterbacks on its 2025 roster, including starter Gio Lopez.
When Lopez entered the transfer portal, North Carolina’s need for a gunslinger became more apparent. The Tar Heels landed Wisconsin transfer Billy Edwards, who should be the Day One starter and Miles O’Neill, who comes in from Texas A&M.
Two more former Tar Heels announced their portal commitments on Saturday. Bryce Baker, the crown jewel of UNC’s 2024 recruiting class, committed to Virginia Tech.
Max Johnson, who started most of 2024 and a few games last season, committed to Georgia Southern.
Baker was a Top-15 quarterback in the 2024 class, putting together a storied career at East Forsyth High School that included 6,605 passing yards and 79 passing touchdowns. Not seeing a single snap in 2025, Baker made the smart decision to go somewhere he’s more likely to see the field.
BREAKING: North Carolina transfer QB Bryce Baker has committed to Virginia Tech
The 6-3, 205-pound quarterback has four years of eligibility remaining
Story: https://t.co/L6oU1ZFtS9pic.twitter.com/dMSb7cgmtW
— Kolby Crawford (@kolby_crawford) January 10, 2026
Johnson is a journeyman quarterback who started his career at LSU in 2020, playing two seasons there before transferring to College Station. Johnson brought veteran experience and talent to Chapel Hill, but unfortunately, a broken leg in North Carolina’s 2024 opener largely shaped his future in Carolina Blue.
BREAKING: North Carolina transfer QB Max Johnson has signed with Georgia Southern, @PeteNakos reportshttps://t.co/kSYG7dZ8sRpic.twitter.com/s5qe1ceBpr
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) January 10, 2026
With 6,356 passing yards and 49 passing touchdowns through his first five collegiate seasons, Johnson looks to end his collegiate career the right way – in his home state.
The Tar Heels also have highly-touted quarterback Travis Burgess joining their room this fall. Will Edwards, O’Neill or Burgess win UNC’s 2026 starting QB gig?
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Football: Bryce Baker, Max Johnson find new homes
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