UNC, Bill Belichick Land QB Transfer with Impressive Stats

Taron Dickens, formerly of Western Carolina, threw 38 TDs and just 2 INTs in 2025.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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North Carolina has landed a high-profile quarterback transfer in Taron Dickens, who previously played at the FCS level for Western Carolina. In 2025, Dickens threw for 38 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions, completing over 74% of his passes for 3,508 yards. He will compete with other transfers Billy Edwards and Miles O'Neill for the starting QB job under new head coach Bill Belichick.

Why it matters

Belichick's first season at UNC was a disappointment, so landing an impressive quarterback transfer like Dickens could be a key to turning the program around in year two. Dickens' eye-popping stats at the FCS level suggest he has the potential to be a star at the Power 5 level.

The details

Taron Dickens, a 5'11" 180-pound quarterback, has committed to transfer to the University of North Carolina after previously playing at Western Carolina. In his 2025 season at WCU, Dickens threw for 38 touchdowns and just 2 interceptions, completing 74.2% of his passes for 3,508 yards. He also ran for 321 yards. Over his entire college career at the FCS level, Dickens threw 51 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions.

  • Dickens threw 38 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in the 2025 season at Western Carolina.
  • Dickens has now committed to transfer to the University of North Carolina.

The players

Taron Dickens

A 5'11", 180-pound quarterback who previously played at the FCS level for Western Carolina, where he put up impressive stats including 38 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in 2025.

Bill Belichick

The new head coach of the University of North Carolina football team, looking to turn the program around after a disappointing first season.

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What’s next

Dickens will compete with fellow transfer quarterbacks Billy Edwards and Miles O'Neill for the starting job at UNC under Belichick.

The takeaway

Landing a quarterback with Dickens' proven production at the FCS level is a major coup for Belichick and UNC as they look to rebuild the program. If Dickens can translate his success to the Power 5 level, he could be a game-changing addition for the Tar Heels.