Two of North Carolina’s defensive backs are heading to Indianapolis, and they’re not just going for the sightseeing.
Marcus Allen and Thaddeus Dixon have earned invitations to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine - one of the biggest pre-draft stages in football - where 319 of the top prospects in the country will get their shot to impress scouts, coaches, and front office execs from across the league. The event runs from February 23 to March 2 at Lucas Oil Stadium, and for Allen and Dixon, it’s a chance to turn years of hard work into a shot at the pros.
Let’s start with Allen, who’s been a steady presence in the Tar Heels' secondary for years. The senior started all 12 games in 2025, finishing with 36 total tackles - 29 of them solo, which ranked fourth on the team.
He also led the squad with eight pass breakups and added a pair of tackles for loss. Allen’s game is built on consistency and awareness, and he showed both in marquee matchups.
His most complete performance came on the road at NC State, where he posted a season-high seven tackles and broke up a pass. He followed that with a solid showing against Clemson, logging five tackles and another pass breakup.
This wasn’t a one-season wonder, either - Allen’s been producing for a while. Over his Carolina career, he played in 51 games and started 39, racking up 137 tackles, 22 pass breakups, 4.5 tackles for loss, and three interceptions.
That kind of experience and production doesn’t go unnoticed in NFL circles.
Then there’s Dixon - a graduate transfer who made the most of his one season in Chapel Hill. The Los Angeles native joined the program in January 2025 and started seven games last fall, missing five due to injury.
Despite the limited action, he made his presence felt. Dixon finished with 19 tackles (13 solo), two tackles for loss, and six pass breakups.
He made a strong first impression in the opener against TCU, tallying four tackles in his Carolina debut. He matched that number again later in the season at UCF and NC State. According to Pro Football Focus, Dixon allowed just 16 catches and one touchdown all year - a testament to his coverage skills and ability to limit big plays, even while adjusting to a new system on the fly.
With the 2026 NFL Draft set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, the combine will be a critical step for both players. It’s not just about the 40-yard dash or the bench press - it’s about showing teams you belong.
For Allen, it’s a chance to showcase his polish and experience. For Dixon, it’s an opportunity to prove his game translates at the next level despite a shorter body of work.
Both players have different paths, but they’re arriving at the same door - and now, it’s time to knock.