Bill Belichick Lands Record-Breaking QB Taron Dickens in UNC Overhaul

Tar Heels add four new signal callers, including FCS standout, to revamp quarterback room

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick has completed an overhaul of his quarterback room, bringing in four new signal callers for the 2026 season after three QBs, including primary starter Gio Lopez, transferred out following last year's 4-8 debut season. The latest addition is former Western Carolina quarterback Taron Dickens, who set an NCAA record last October with 46 consecutive completions in one game.

Why it matters

Belichick is looking to quickly turn around the Tar Heels' struggling offense, which finished second-to-last in the ACC in passing and total yards in 2025. The influx of new quarterbacks, including several high-profile transfers, signals Belichick's urgency to find the right fit under center to lead UNC back to success.

The details

In addition to Dickens, the Tar Heels have added transfers Billy Edwards Jr. (Wisconsin) and Miles O'Neill (Texas A&M), as well as incoming freshman Travis Burgess, a three-star recruit from Georgia. Dickens, who played at the FCS level for Western Carolina, enjoyed a standout sophomore season with 3,508 passing yards, 38 touchdowns and just 2 interceptions.

  • Dickens set an NCAA record in October 2025 with 46 consecutive completions in one game.
  • Belichick's Tar Heels finished 4-8 overall and 2-6 in the ACC in his first season as head coach in 2025.

The players

Taron Dickens

A former quarterback at Western Carolina who set an NCAA record with 46 consecutive completions in a single game in 2025.

Bill Belichick

The head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, looking to quickly turn around the program's struggling offense after a 4-8 debut season in 2025.

Gio Lopez

The Tar Heels' primary starting quarterback in 2025 who has since transferred to Wake Forest.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Tar Heels will look to integrate their new quarterback additions, including record-setting transfer Taron Dickens, as they aim to rebound from a disappointing 4-8 season in 2026.

The takeaway

Bill Belichick has moved quickly to overhaul the quarterback room at North Carolina, bringing in a slew of new talent including FCS standout Taron Dickens in an effort to jumpstart the Tar Heels' struggling offense and return the program to success.