UNC Adds Another Transfer Portal Quarterback

Tar Heels sign FCS standout Taron Dickens to bolster QB depth

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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North Carolina has added another talented quarterback to their roster, signing Western Carolina transfer Taron Dickens. The 5'11", 175-pound signal-caller had a standout 2025 season, throwing for 3,508 yards, 38 touchdowns, and just 2 interceptions. Dickens will have two years of eligibility remaining and joins Wisconsin transfer Billy Edwards Jr. in the Tar Heels' revamped quarterback room.

Why it matters

With several quarterbacks transferring out of the program, UNC needed to restock the position. Dickens and Edwards will now compete for the starting job, providing the Tar Heels with quality depth and competition at the most important position on the field.

The details

Dickens entered the transfer portal on January 2nd and was pursued by several programs, including Southern Miss, North Texas, Toledo, and James Madison. However, he ultimately chose to sign with UNC on February 15th. As a redshirt sophomore in 2025, Dickens had a breakout season, throwing for 3,508 yards, 38 touchdowns, and just 2 interceptions while completing over 74% of his passes. He also added 321 rushing yards and a touchdown.

  • Dickens entered the transfer portal on January 2, 2026.
  • Dickens signed with UNC on February 15, 2026.

The players

Taron Dickens

A 5'11", 175-pound transfer quarterback from Western Carolina who had a standout 2025 season, throwing for 3,508 yards, 38 touchdowns, and just 2 interceptions.

Bill Belichick

The head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, who has been actively monitoring the transfer portal to rebuild the team's quarterback room.

Billy Edwards Jr.

A transfer quarterback from Wisconsin who signed with UNC in January 2026 and was expected to be the team's starter before the addition of Dickens.

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What’s next

It remains to be seen what Dickens' impact will be on the program, but at the very least, the Western Carolina transfer will bring much-needed depth to the Tar Heels' quarterback room next season. There will likely be an open quarterback competition in Chapel Hill throughout the offseason between Dickens and Edwards.

The takeaway

UNC's quarterback room has undergone a major overhaul, with several players transferring out and the Tar Heels adding two talented signal-callers in Dickens and Edwards. This competition will be one to watch as Belichick looks to solidify the most important position on the field.