Bill Belichick says QB competition will be good
And as the Tar Heels struggled with consistency at that position a year go, they have a stronger depth chart going into this season. North Carolina addressed the position by adding Gio Lopez out of the transfer portal while also welcoming in freshmen Bryce Baker and Au'tori Newkirk. Max Johnson is also back after missing almost all of last season, suffering a leg injury in the week 1 win over Minnesota.
Advertisement
Head coach Bill Belichick believes the competition will be good at the position and benefit the guys.
"Well, again, at the quarterback position, we have five players there including the two freshmen who are coming in. Bryce is the only one that was here in the spring," Belichick said in his pre-Summer press conference via Inside Carolina. "Max was here, but wasn't able to participate much. And, of course, Gio is new. So I think, as we see the offense evolve, it'll obviously be reflective of how those quarterbacks do and how that position shapes up. So I think we have good competition there, and our offense is our offense, and we'll be able to adapt to whoever it is."
With the quarterbacks having different skill sets, Belichick was asked if having multiple options impacts is quarterback philosophy. It doesn't seem to be a problem for him and the offense.
"We've certainly had a lot of quarterbacks through the years with different skillsets, and we're able to work with all of them," Belichick said. "But we'll see how it all plays out. So right now, that position is one that we just don't have a lot of on-field experience with. And again, even though Max was here, he just wasn't able to participate in any of the team drills. So you know, it kind of also includes him, even though he's a very experienced player."
Advertisement
As it stands right now, Lopez appears to be the favorite to be the starter, but the status of Johnson as well as how Baker does in camp could impact things. It's something to keep an eye on this Summer and as practices begin.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: Bill Belichick believes UNC football QB competition will be good
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
32 minutes ago
- Yahoo
USMNT could change its World Cup narrative in Gold Cup final vs. Mexico
You ask former U.S. men's national soccer team standouts Marcelo Balboa and Stu Holden about the Concacaf Gold Cup final, and the competitive spirit just oozes from their soul. Especially since USMNT will face its biggest rival, Mexico, in the Sunday, July 6 match at NRG Stadium in Houston. Advertisement 'Listen, you never want to lose to Mexico,' Balboa, 57, told USA TODAY Sports, before he joins the Gold Cup's Spanish-language broadcast on Univision, TUDN and ViX. 'I'm retired. I haven't played against Mexico a long time. Even when I play in the old legends games, I don't want to lose to Mexico.' Holden – who will be on the Gold Cup call alongside play-by-play announcer John Strong on FOX – still remembers how humiliated he felt after playing in USMNT's 5-0 loss to Mexico in the 2009 Gold Cup final. 'Man, I would give anything to step on that field on Sunday,' Holden said. 'And I'm going to step on the field – I just won't be allowed to kick a ball.' Coach Mauricio Pochettino, breakout star Diego Luna and the USMNT have a golden opportunity to rewrite the team's narrative ahead of next summer's FIFA World Cup. Advertisement They could end a tumultuous summer on a high note by lifting a trophy, setting the stage for a World Cup where they could at least be competitive against some of the best national teams in the world. A loss, however? Well, here's where it's important to maintain some perspective. USMNT has been a club on the fly before the World Cup – hiring Pochettino last September, and trying to field a capable roster that won't embarrass itself when the U.S. co-hosts the tournament next summer with Canada and Mexico. By no means are they ready for the World Cup just yet. But they'll have to be when next summer rolls around. Advertisement Star Christian Pulisic is one of several players not with USMNT during the Gold Cup this summer – his decision to rest upsetting several former players turned analysts, especially after the U.S. lost friendlies to Turkey (2-1 on June 7) and Switzerland (4-0 on June 10) before the tournament. During the Gold Cup, the U.S. beat Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 on June 7, beat Saudi Arabia 1-0 on June 19, beat Haiti 2-1 on June 22, advanced past Costa Rica 2-2 (4-3 on penalty kicks) on June 29 and topped Guatemala 2-1 on July 2 to reach the final. U.S. goalkeeper Matthew Freese (25) celebrats with defender Walker Zimmerman (5) during a semifinal match of the 2025 Gold Cup at Energizer Park. Pochettino has 10 wins in 15 matches since taking the job, a run that included a four-game losing streak going into the Gold Cup. Would another loss to Mexico – in the Gold Cup final – be a failure for Pochettino and USMNT? Advertisement 'No, not at all. The fact that this team got there, I think it's very valuable for Pochettino and his coaching staff,' Balboa said, adding it's a prime opportunity for the players pushing for a roster spot to play for USMNT in the World Cup. 'Listen, nobody wants to lose. Is it a failure? I wouldn't think it's a failure at all. I think it's just one of those games that it could go either way. One mistake could cost you the game. But at the end of the day, you can't say one game that you lose to Mexico in the final, the tournament was a failure.' Holden said he's cautious to put a label like 'failure' if this group of USMNT players fall to Mexico because 'it would be me getting a little bit lost in the moment.' This Gold Cup experience is about Pochettino finding his way as the USMNT coach. Advertisement It's about players like Luna, who scored both goals against Guatemala, making a name for themselves. It's about others like forwards Brian White and Patrick Agyemang, midfielders Max Arfsten, Jack McGlynn and Sebastian Berhalter, defenders Chris Richards and Alex Freeman, and goalkeeper Matt Freese solidifying their chances to make the World Cup roster. Holden believes a Gold Cup win could solidify USMNT's belief in itself, and send a message to its pool of players that the club is heading in a clear direction under Pochettino's leadership. 'That means: You fight like hell on Sunday, and you beat your fiercest rival, and you cap off a great month, and we have a great storyline to tell for the next year,' Holden said. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Gold Cup: USMNT could change World Cup narrative in final vs. Mexico
Yahoo
37 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa makes another appearances on NFL Top 100
As the countdown to the 2025 NFL season continues, the NFL Network is helping bridge that gap for fans by counting down the league's best players. As voted on by the players themselves, the NFL Top 100 offers a unique glimpse into how the league's best players view the stars of the NFL. Advertisement While fans in South Beach were busy setting off fireworks and celebrating America's birthday, Dolphins fans had another reason to celebrate on the 4th of July. Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa made his way back onto the NFL Top 100. Tagovailoa passed for 2,867 yards and 19 touchdowns against just seven interceptions in his 11 games last season. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound quarterback recorded an average time to throw of 2.42 seconds last season, quickest in the NFL. Thanks to that lightning-fast release, Tagovailoa faced a league-low 22.1% pressure rate on his dropbacks. But, a concussion and a hip injury cost Tagovailoa six games last season as injury issues continue to plague the Dolphins' star signal-caller. That led to a 55-spot slide for Tagovailoa in the annual player rankings. Tagovailoa's tumble down the Top 100 has everything to do with his injury issues. Miami averaged 13.3 points and went 2-4 in games he didn't start compared to a 6-5 record and 24.1 points per game in starts he made. Tagovailoa posted a career-low 6.1 average depth of target, seemingly to reduce injury risk, but he was effective and deadly accurate even as the approach lowered Miami's previously sky-high ceiling. For all his talent, he finds himself in familiar territory, again needing to prove his durability. - Bobby Kownack, Tagovailoa completed 72.9% of his passes during the 2024 campaign to lead all NFL starting quarterbacks. Advertisement As 2025 nears, Tagovailoa's ranking is an indication of the respect he has from his peers. But, it's also a dire reminder of the injury woes that have plagued Tagovailoa and the Dolphins. This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa makes another appearances on NFL Top 100
Yahoo
37 minutes ago
- Yahoo
10 Greatest OKC Thunder Players Of All Time
10 Greatest OKC Thunder Players Of All Time originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Oklahoma City Thunder's basketball dominance found its pinnacle on Sunday night, following an impressive 103-91 victory in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander captured the Finals MVP trophy following an excellent regular-season campaign that also included a regular-season MVP and scoring title, and we have no doubts who the greatest player in Thunder history is. Advertisement The Thunder essentially completed a journey that began with Kevin Durant's silky scoring, flourished under Russell Westbrook's relentless will, and evolved through foundational pieces like Serge Ibaka, Steven Adams, and Luguentz Dort. But leading the charge, towering above them all, has to be Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Credit and respect also go to SGA's co-star Jalen Williams, a first-time All-Star in 2025, and talents such as Chet Holmgren, who found a way to mature quickly to build a title contender. After the buzzer sounded, the all-time Thunder list has become clear, and we have the 10 greatest ranked in order. 1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images Accolades with Thunder: 2024-25 NBA Champion, 2024-25 Finals MVP, 2024-25 MVP, 3x All-Star, 3x All-NBA Team Selection, 2024-25 Scoring Champion Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has officially ascended to basketball royalty in Oklahoma City. The Thunder secured their first NBA title since moving to Oklahoma City (Seattle won in 1979) with a dominant 103-91 Game 7 win over the Pacers, and "Shai G" delivered a performance for the ages: 29 points and 12 assists to clinch Finals MVP. Advertisement His historic season wasn't just about Team Glory, it was a personal trifecta: leading the league in scoring (32.7 PPG), earning regular season MVP honors, and grabbing Finals MVP all in the same year, putting him in exclusive company with Shaq, Jordan, and Kareem. Shai did what legendary figures, including Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, could not do and that was deliver an NBA title. Time will tell if SGA can add more accolades to his resume because right now, he is on track to become one of the greatest players of his generation. 2. Kevin Durant Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images Accolades with Thunder: NBA MVP (2013-14), 7x All-Star (2010-2016), 5× All-NBA First Team (2010–2014), 2× All-NBA Second Team (2015-16, 2016-17), 4× NBA Scoring Champion (2010-2012, 2014), Rookie of the Year (2007-08), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2007-08), All-Star Game MVP (2011-12) Kevin Durant exploded into superstardom in Seattle/OKC, instantly dominating as a multi-dimensional scorer. He won Rookie of the Year, then eventually claimed four straight scoring titles. His 2014 MVP season remains one of the most unstoppable offensive campaigns ever: 32.0 PPG on remarkable efficiency (50.3% FG, 39.1% 3-PT FG, 87.3% FT). Advertisement Durant's silky shooting, size, and versatility defined the Thunder's rise, making him their first true global superstar. After inspiring a Finals run in 2012, he continued racking up individual honors, All-NBA selections and All-Star appearances, and became the heart of one of the league's most compelling title contenders. His departure in 2016 still stings, and Thunder fans won't spare any ill feelings for him, but no one galvanized the franchise more in its early OKC era. Still, Durant did not deliver an NBA championship for the franchise, and that is why he is second. 3. Russell Westbrook Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Accolades with Thunder: NBA MVP (2016-17), 8x All-Star (2011-2013, 2015-2019), 2× All-NBA First Team (2015-16, 2016-17), 5× All-NBA Second Team (2011-13, 2015, 2018), All-NBA Third Team (2018-19), 2× Scoring Champion (2014-15, 2016-17), NBA Assists Leader (2017-18, 2018-19),2× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2014-15, 2015-16), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2008-09), NBA Community Assist Award (2014-15) Russell Westbrook redefined the triple-double era in OKC. From his explosive breakout post-Durant to the unparalleled 2016-17 MVP season, where he averaged a triple-double (31.6 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 10.4 APG), Russ brought unfiltered energy and dark horse bravery every night. Advertisement He wasn't just a statistical phenom; he embodied OKC's blue-collar spirit and was the backbone through an emotional rebuild once Kevin Durant left him high and dry to head to Golden State. Very few players in history are as loved by one franchise as Westbrook is in Oklahoma City. His back-to-back scoring titles and All-Star MVPs underscored a competitive soul who refused complacency. Clashing and complementing KD, Russ powered the Thunder into relevance, even as the franchise evolved by trading him to the Houston Rockets before the 2019-20 season. 4. Jalen Williams Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images Accolades with Thunder: 2024-25 NBA Champion, 2024-25 All-Star, NBA All-NBA Third Team (2024-25), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2024-25), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2022-23) Jalen Williams might be the most elegant surprise on this list, considering how fast he has developed. A 2022 late-first-rounder, he seamlessly transformed into a two-way starter, industrial off-ball cutter, sharp-shooting initiator, and fearsome defender. Advertisement His All-NBA and All-Defensive honors in 2025 make him the Thunder's embodiment of modern team construction. He made his first All-Star campaign as well, posting 21.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, and 5.1 APG and was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's esteemed second option throughout the playoffs. That 40-point eruption in Game 5 of the Finals? A defining moment that made it clear Williams is the co-star the Thunder needed to win an NBA Title. Williams is both the grounding presence next to Shai and a glimpse of OKC's immediate future, because he could crack the top two among all Thunder players one day. 5. Serge Ibaka Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Accolades with Thunder: 3x NBA All-Defensive First Team (2012-2014), NBA Blocks Leader (2011-12, 2012-13) Don't let the big smile fool you, Serge Ibaka was a force in the paint. The "Iblaka" era brought elite rim protection, two straight blocks crowns, and three All-Defensive First Team nods. He was OKC's defensive foundation, altering shots and anchoring their identity when Westbrook was still developing. Advertisement His mobility and shot-blocking weren't just flashy; they changed the floor. Ibaka often showcased a soft offensive touch, but his real legacy lies in instilling defensive toughness. He remains OKC's all-time blocks leader and a symbol of their championship DNA, and was the third option behind Durant and Westbrook during their 2012 Finals run. 6. Paul George Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images Accolades with Thunder: 2x All-Star, All-NBA First Team (2018-19), All-NBA Third Team (2017-18), All-Defensive First Team (2018-19), NBA Steals Leader (2018-19) Paul George's tenure in OKC was a short-but-sweet blaze of brilliance. Acquired in 2017, he offered scoring, lockdown D, and championship ambition. His 2019 All-NBA First Team season proved he was more than just a sidekick; he was a two-way force. Advertisement That season also saw him lead the league in steals, proof that he could dominate on both ends. He also finished third in MVP voting, third in Defensive Player of the Year voting, and made All-NBA First Team and All-Defensive First Team. He brought star power and hope over two seasons, and while dreams of Finals glory never materialized in OKC, his high-level play helped maintain legitimacy during the post-Westbrook rebuilding phase. His mid-career trade reshuffled draft picks that led to acquiring Shai, Jalen, and Chet, so his impact echoes well into the franchise's future. 7. James Harden Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Accolades with Thunder: NBA Sixth Man of the Year (2011-12), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2009-10) James Harden, the beard-wearing spark plug who didn't arrive as a starter, but rewrote his destiny off the bench. In 2012, he earned Sixth Man of the Year (16.8 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.7 APG) for his flair and efficiency, converting to a starter and helping propel OKC to the 2012 Finals. Advertisement He was a dynamic playmaker whose growth would eventually usher in MVP seasons and superteam status, though those would come after departing OKC in 2012. Still, Harden's early flashes of wizardry and clutch shooting helped deepen the Thunder's title runs, and his breakout signaled OKC's keen eye for developing elite talent. 8. Luguentz Dort Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Accolades with Thunder: 2024-25 NBA Champion, NBA All-Defensive First Team (2024–25) Here's where the narrative turns gritty. Luguentz Dort is the blue-collar burner who guards your best scorer and doesn't flinch. Undrafted, yet he transformed into the ultimate "30-minute glue guy", a franchise defender with offensive flashes. Advertisement His All-Defensive First Team nod in 2025 puts him in elite company, and while his stats aren't flashy, his impact is, just ask anyone whose career-spanning star he's locked up. He represents the Thunder's soul: relentless, self-sacrificing, and foundational. He may never light it up like others (career 12.2 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.0 SPG on 36.0% 3-PT FG), but the identity he brings is priceless, and Dort played an invaluable part in the championship banner that was erected this season. 9. Chet Holmgren Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Accolades with Thunder: 2024-25 NBA Champion, NBA All-Rookie First Team (2023–24) Still in early stages, but a bold future awaits. The No. 2 overall pick in 2022, Chet Holmgren, became a Rookie First Team pick in 2024 after showcasing his dreamy shot-blocking and perimeter scoring in limited games, signaling a generational two-way player. Advertisement He posted 16.5 PPG, 7.9 RPG, and 2.3 BPG in his rookie campaign and averaged 15.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, and 2.2 BPG in 2024-25. Holmgren was also arguably the third-most important player behind the 2025 championship success. As the linchpin of OKC's celebrated 2022 haul (which also included Jalen), the organization clearly views him as a foundational pillar, and they were 100% right. His trajectory suggests top-10 becomes top-3 soon, just in time if he adds more individual accolades with the Thunder franchise. 10. Steven Adams Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Accolades with Thunder: NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2013-14) Steven Adams was the brawny heart of the late Durant-Westbrook era. A rugged, steady presence in the paint, he brought toughness and team-first grit. Not flashy, but consistently anchored the defense, hauled boards, and spearheaded OKC's bruising identity. Advertisement His membership in the franchise's top all-time rebounders (7th) and shot blockers (5th) shows how vital he was. He may not own big awards, but his intangibles echo in thunderous homecourt atmospheres to this day. Related: Grading Thunder Players vs. Pacers: Shai Captures Finals MVP In Historical Game 7 Performance This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
