University of North Carolina Athletics
Allen, Dixon Invited To 2026 NFL Scouting Combine
February 11, 2026 | Football
North Carolina football defensive backs Marcus Allen and Thaddeus Dixon have been invited to participate in the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, which will take place Feb. 23 through March 2 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The combine features 319 of the nation's top prospects for an opportunity to showcase their skills through a series of drills, tests and interviews in advance of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Allen started all 12 games as a senior in 2025 and finished the season with 36 tackles, including 29 solo stops – the fourth most on the team. He led the team with eight pass breakups and notched two tackles for loss.
The Marietta, Georgia, native had his best game of the season at NC State, recording a season-high seven tackles with a pass breakup. Allen also turned in a strong game against Clemson with five tackles and a pass breakup.
For his career, Allen appeared in 51 games as a Tar Heel, starting 39 contests. He tallied 137 career tackles, 22 pass breakups, 4.5 tackles for loss and three interceptions at Carolina.
Dixon joined the program as a graduate transfer in January 2025 and started seven games for the Tar Heels last season, missing five games due to injury. He ended the year with 19 tackles, including 13 solo stops, and recorded two tackles for loss. Additionally, he had six pass breakups.
Hailing from Los Angeles, California, Dixon had four tackles in the season opener against TCU in his Carolina debut and logged four tackles at UCF and at NC State. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), he only allowed 16 catches and one touchdown during the season.
The 2026 NFL Draft is set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
The combine features 319 of the nation's top prospects for an opportunity to showcase their skills through a series of drills, tests and interviews in advance of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Allen started all 12 games as a senior in 2025 and finished the season with 36 tackles, including 29 solo stops – the fourth most on the team. He led the team with eight pass breakups and notched two tackles for loss.
The Marietta, Georgia, native had his best game of the season at NC State, recording a season-high seven tackles with a pass breakup. Allen also turned in a strong game against Clemson with five tackles and a pass breakup.
For his career, Allen appeared in 51 games as a Tar Heel, starting 39 contests. He tallied 137 career tackles, 22 pass breakups, 4.5 tackles for loss and three interceptions at Carolina.
Dixon joined the program as a graduate transfer in January 2025 and started seven games for the Tar Heels last season, missing five games due to injury. He ended the year with 19 tackles, including 13 solo stops, and recorded two tackles for loss. Additionally, he had six pass breakups.
Hailing from Los Angeles, California, Dixon had four tackles in the season opener against TCU in his Carolina debut and logged four tackles at UCF and at NC State. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), he only allowed 16 catches and one touchdown during the season.
The 2026 NFL Draft is set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
Players Mentioned
Defensive Back
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Defensive Back
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