Transfer portal quarterback target that some Tennessee fans have coveted makes his college choice
A former FCS standout is going to a notable program, but it won’t be in Knoxville.
The topic of who will be the Tennessee Vols’ starting quarterback has been the biggest one this offseason among fans and the talking heads.
Tennessee’s search has been extensive, as they’ve looked at some of the biggest names while also waiting on word if Joey Aguilar will be eligible for one more season. The Vols courted Sam Leavitt, who ultimately chose LSU. They took a run at Alabama’s Ty Simpson, who opted for the NFL Draft. George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon both obviously have plenty of talent despite the lack of experience.
However, beyond those options, one player from a lower tier program caught the eye of some Vol fans and pundits back in January — Western Carolina QB Taron Dickens, who had an enormous season for the Catamounts in 2025.
Despite the intrigue from some Vol fans, it doesn’t seem as though Tennessee had that same level of interest as roughly a month later, Dickens has settled on his college choice – the North Carolina Tar Heels, per On3 Sports’ Pete Nakos.
Western Carolina QB Taron Dickens signs with UNC
Dickens came from one of the biggest stages in all of high school football, as he played for powerhouse Miami Northwestern High School. He signed with Western Carolina and spent his first three seasons with the Catamounts.
After limited work his first two seasons, he became the full-time starter for WCU in 2025, and he posted dazzling numbers. He completed 74% of his throws for 3508 yards with 38 touchdowns and just two interceptions across nine games, adding 321 yards and another score on the ground.
That talent was obviously enough to get an opportunity with a Power Four program in North Carolina, who’s banking on his upside and playmaking ability being enough for a roster spot.
Conversely, Tennessee ended up giving a roster spot to former Colorado QB Ryan Staub, who appears to be more of a camp body than a true contender to beat out either MacIntyre or Brandon for the starting job.
We’ll see if Dickens turns into a rags-to-riches story in Chapel Hill, and if he does, Tennessee fans should be kicking themselves for Josh Heupel missing out on a potential playmaker.
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