UNC's Thaddeus Dixon Sidelined by Injury

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — North Carolina defensive back Thaddeus Dixon is expected to miss a significant amount of time with an injury, multiple sources confirmed to Inside Carolina.

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Dixon sustained the injury late the second quarter of Saturday’s game vs. Clemson, snagging an interception that was later overturned after review. Dixon dove for the football, falling on his left arm and got up celebrating, but as he did so, he started wincing and hobbling before eventually sitting down on the ground on the sideline.

He did not return to the game after the play. Further specifics about the injury could not be confirmed.

Dixon drew rave reviews in spring practice and carried his play into training camp. Sources that attended practices said his talent and highlight plays stood out, and referred to him as the lone prospect on the roster that’s a candidate for being selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. He started at cornerback for UNC’s first five games of the season. Dixon recorded 14 total tackles and three pass deflections in his first five games with the Tar Heels.

UNC picked up Dixon in the transfer portal back in January — the highest-rated portal prospect the Tar Heels signed last offseason, according to the Rivals Industry rankings. Dixon played his first two college seasons at Long Beach City College before transferring to Washington, where he played one year under Steve Belichick’s defense. Dixon was a member of the Huskies team that reached the 2023 national title game. He broke out in a starting role that next year under Belichick.

Dixon concluded his Husky career with 69 tackles, 16 pass breakups, and a pair of interceptions before coming to UNC. He played in 27 of Washington’s 28 games during his two seasons with the team. According to PFF, Dixon led the 2024 Washington defense in pass breakups with 10.

Dixon was one of four Tar Heels nominated by the school for the preseason All-ACC team. He has played the second most snaps on the team at 275, per PFF.

“I like a lot of what Thad did,” Bill Belichick said of Dixon in June. “Let’s start with just the person. Great leadership. First one on the field, works hard, very good in preparation. Had some individual meetings with Thad, really got to spend some quality time with him. He’s been great with our recruits. Probably one of the best that we have in terms of helping the kids that we recruit come in here and understand what the program is about and how it can be beneficial to them.

“But he’s got good skills, probably could play any position in the secondary. We’ll see how all that goes, but he’s got a great skillset, a good work ethic, and he had an excellent spring. So excited to see it come together for him in the fall.”