In a nod to their on‑field excellence and anticipated impact next season, four standout North Carolina Tar Heels have been honored by Phil Steele’s prestigious preseason All‑ACC teams, unveiled July 2, 2025. These selections include defensive back Thaddeus Dixon, offensive lineman Daniel King, long snapper Spencer Triplett, and running back Davion Gause .

1. Thaddeus Dixon – Defensive Back (Second Team)

A transfer from Washington, Dixon brings proven playmaking ability to Chapel Hill. In 2024 with the Huskies, he logged 43 tackles, 10 pass breakups, and an interception returned for 21 yards . His standout game came against top‑ranked Oregon, where he recorded eight tackles, forced a fumble, and defended a pass—the sort of performance that garners All‑ACC recognition. A Los Angeles native, Dixon’s aggressive style and veteran understanding of defensive schemes make him a key figure in UNC’s secondary as the Tar Heels aim to shore up their pass defense.

2. Daniel King – Offensive Lineman (Third Team)

King arrives at UNC after two successful seasons at Troy, where he earned All‑Sun Belt honors and served as a team captain . In 2024, he graded as the Sun Belt’s fourth‑best blocker, according to Pro Football Focus, and played a pivotal role in Troy producing both a 1,000‑yard rusher and receiver . At Carolina, King is expected to bolster the offensive line with his versatility—proven in starts at both right tackle and guard—and leadership qualities. His presence is crucial for a UNC offense in transition, aiming to establish a strong linchpin upfront.

3. Spencer Triplett – Long Snapper (Third Team)

Often overlooked yet essential, Triplett has been the anchor of UNC’s special teams for the past three seasons . In 2024, his consistent snapping enabled kicker Noah Burnette to convert 16 of 22 field goals and 46 of 47 extra points . Triplett’s reliability in high‑pressure situations helps shape the Tar Heels’ special teams unit—a key area in tight ACC games where every yard and point counts. His preseason bid reflects the value of stability and precision in the often‑underappreciated long‑snapper role.

4. Davion Gause – Running Back (Fourth Team)

A freshman breakout star, Gause rushed for 326 yards on 67 carries — including four touchdowns — during his debut campaign . He notably rushed for over 100 yards against Charlotte, tallying 105 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. Gause’s work ethic and physical style complement UNC’s offensive resurgence under new leadership, offering a powerful one‑two punch with other backs. Named to the Fourth Team, his preseason recognition underscores the confidence in his continued acceleration and expanded role .

—

Why These Selections Matter

Phil Steele’s preseason picks are widely respected for their thoroughness—his publication is renowned as the most statistically rigorous and accurate in college football . Thus, four Tar Heels earning spots suggests confidence from national evaluators in UNC’s emerging talent and functioning roster.

Defensive backbone upgrade: Dixon’s skill set addresses a UNC secondary in need of playmakers.

Line of scrimmage stability: King provides assurance up front, protecting quarterbacks and creating run lanes.

Special teams efficiency: Triplett’s expertise ensures UNC won’t lose edge‑of‑game contests due to mishandled snaps.

Offensive promise: Gause’s selection recognizes a rising star poised for more carries and breakaway runs next season.

These selections also indicate that UNC’s new coaching staff, under Bill Belichick, has begun to reshape the program’s culture. Scheduling six home games—beginning with a tough opener vs. TCU on September 1—and balancing conference and non‑conference matchups gives opportunities for these player standouts to shine .

—

Looking Ahead

As Mike Krzyzewski might say in basketball—“You can’t just talk about it—you’ve got to play it.” These players now carry the burden of expectation implied by Steele’s preseason nods. All eyes in Chapel Hill will watch how Dixon anchors the secondary, how King marshals the line, how Triplett snaps under duress, and how Gause accelerates his production. If they meet or exceed these forecasts, UNC could find itself in the thick of the ACC playoff conversation.

Ultimately, four UNC players on Phil Steele’s preseason teams isn’t just recognition—it’s a statement: a roster built on veteran leadership, gritty play, and increasingly national visibility. With these pivotal pieces in place, North Carolina is gearing up for what could be a breakthrough 2025 campaign.