Breaking: South Alabama commits 4-star New QB Following Gio Lopez’s Departure
In the wake of starting quarterback Gio Lopez’s transfer to the University of North Carolina, the University of South Alabama has swiftly moved to fill the void by announcing a new quarterback to lead the Jaguars into the upcoming season.
Lopez, who led the Jaguars to a 7-6 record in 2024 and threw for 2,559 yards with 18 touchdowns, entered the NCAA transfer portal and committed to North Carolina, where he is expected to compete for the starting position under new head coach.
In response to Lopez’s departure, South Alabama’s head coach, Major Applewhite, addressed the situation candidly, stating, “We appreciate Gio’s contributions to our program, but we’re focused on the future. We have confidence in our current roster and are excited about the talent we have moving forward.”
The Jaguars have named redshirt sophomore Bishop Davenport as the new starting quarterback. Davenport showcased his potential in the 68 Ventures Bowl, where he completed 14 of 19 passes for 192 yards and three touchdowns, adding 88 rushing yards and a score on the ground, leading South Alabama to a 59-10 victory over Eastern Michigan.
Davenport’s performance in the bowl game earned him MVP honors and demonstrated his dual-threat capabilities, providing optimism for the Jaguars’ offense in the upcoming season.
Coach Applewhite expressed confidence in Davenport’s abilities, stating, “Bishop has shown tremendous growth and leadership. His performance in the bowl game was a testament to his preparation and skill. We’re excited to see him take on a larger role and lead our team.”
The Jaguars’ coaching staff has also emphasized the importance of team unity and resilience in the face of roster changes. With Davenport at the helm, South Alabama aims to build on the momentum from their bowl victory and contend for the Sun Belt Conference title.
As the Jaguars prepare for the upcoming season, the focus remains on developing their current talent and fostering a competitive and cohesive team environment. The transition at quarterback marks a new chapter for South Alabama football, with aspirations of continued success and growth.
