UNC Lands Western Carolina QB Transfer Taron Dickens

Tar Heels add third transfer QB to crowded QB room

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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North Carolina has signed Western Carolina transfer quarterback Taron Dickens. Last season at Western Carolina, Dickens threw for 3,508 yards, 38 touchdowns, and two interceptions with a 74.2% completion percentage. Dickens also broke an NCAA record for most consecutive pass completions in a game with 46. He is the third transfer quarterback to join UNC this offseason, adding to a crowded QB room in Chapel Hill.

Why it matters

UNC is looking to bolster its quarterback depth after a disappointing 2025 season. Bringing in multiple transfer QBs like Dickens gives the Tar Heels more options and competition at the position as they look to bounce back in 2026.

The details

Dickens spent three seasons at Western Carolina, redshirting his first year in 2023 after playing in only two games. As a redshirt freshman in 2024, he started the final four games at quarterback and played in seven overall, going 3-1 as a starter and completing 127 of 172 passes (73.8%) with 12 touchdowns and three interceptions. The 5'11", 180-pound Miami native is now joining a UNC quarterback room that includes Billy Edwards, Miles O'Neill, Au'Tori Newkirk, and Travis Burgess.

  • Dickens spent three seasons at Western Carolina from 2023-2025.
  • In 2024, his redshirt freshman season, Dickens started the final four games and played in seven overall.
  • Dickens signed with UNC on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Taron Dickens

A transfer quarterback from Western Carolina who threw for 3,508 yards, 38 touchdowns, and two interceptions with a 74.2% completion percentage last season.

Billy Edwards

A quarterback on the UNC roster who will compete with Dickens and other transfers for playing time.

Miles O'Neill

A quarterback on the UNC roster who will compete with Dickens and other transfers for playing time.

Au'Tori Newkirk

A quarterback on the UNC roster who will compete with Dickens and other transfers for playing time.

Travis Burgess

A quarterback on the UNC roster who will compete with Dickens and other transfers for playing time.

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The takeaway

UNC is making a concerted effort to improve its quarterback depth and competition this offseason by bringing in multiple transfer players like Taron Dickens. This influx of talent should provide the Tar Heels with more options and flexibility at the position as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign.