The North Carolina Tar Heels are facing a fascinating quarterback conundrum as they gear up for the 2026 season. After acquiring Billy Edwards via the transfer portal, many believed he was a lock for the starting position. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically with the addition of two more quarterbacks: Miles O'Neill and the record-setting Taron Dickens.
Edwards, with his Big Ten experience at Maryland and Wisconsin, might still have the edge. He started his collegiate journey with the Terrapins in 2022, taking the reins as the starter in 2024.
That season, he threw for 2,881 yards, notching 15 touchdowns against nine interceptions, while completing 65% of his passes and adding 148 rushing yards with five touchdowns. Unfortunately, his stint at Wisconsin was cut short by a torn PCL in his first game in 2025.
Despite being a fifth-year senior, Edwards’ resume is modest, with 19 passing touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his NCAA career. This leaves the door open for competition, especially with O'Neill and Dickens in the mix.
O'Neill, coming from Texas A&M, enters as a redshirt sophomore. His time on the field was limited, completing 12 of 20 passes for 171 yards, with two touchdowns and two picks. Yet, his potential remains intriguing.
The real wildcard is Dickens, an incoming redshirt junior who dazzled at Western Carolina. In 2025, he threw for an impressive 3,508 yards, 38 touchdowns, and just two interceptions, completing a remarkable 74.2% of his passes. His standout moment came when he set an NCAA record by completing 46 consecutive passes against Wofford, finishing the game 53-for-56.
As North Carolina opens spring practice on March 4, the quarterback position is wide open, with all eyes on who will emerge as the leader under center. While Edwards might be the frontrunner, Dickens' extraordinary accuracy can't be overlooked. The Tar Heels have a compelling battle on their hands, and it will be intriguing to see how it unfolds.