UNC Adds Transfer QB Taron Dickens from Western Carolina

The University of North Carolina football program has added quarterback Taron Dickens from Western Carolina through the transfer portal, bolstering a crowded quarterback room ahead of the 2026 season under head coach Bill Belichick.

Dickens, a redshirt sophomore, joins the Tar Heels as the third quarterback acquired via transfer this offseason. He follows Billy Edwards Jr., who transferred from Wisconsin after limited action last season, and Miles O'Neill, who saw minimal playing time at Texas A&M behind starter Marcel Reed. UNC also retains AuTori Newkirk, a 2025 signee who served as the third-string quarterback last year, and incoming freshman Travis Burgess. The additions signal intense competition for the starting role during spring practices.

At Western Carolina, an FCS program, Dickens completed a standout 2025 season, passing for 3,508 yards with 38 touchdowns and just two interceptions on a 74.2 percent completion rate. He also contributed 321 rushing yards and one touchdown. Over three seasons, including a redshirt year in 2023, Dickens amassed 5,063 passing yards, 51 touchdowns, and five interceptions while maintaining a 74 percent completion rate. His highlight came...