Tar Heels Find Their Defensive Core in Trio

Two games in, UNC’s defense has shown both flaws and moments of promise, with linebackers Khmori House and Andrew Simpson, and cornerback Thaddeus Dixon already emerging as standouts ahead of Week 3 vs. Richmond.

Sep 1, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick on the sidelines in the first quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Through the first two weeks of the season, this Tar Heel team has shown only brief improvement, but in order to position themselves as a key conference performer require consistency, and that is only a work in progress. Three players, however, have begun to separate themselves as anchors of the defensive unit: linebackers Khmori House and Andrew Simpson, and cornerback Thaddeus Dixon.

Khmori House — Sophomore Linebacker

UNC football linebacker Khmori House | Rodd Baxley/The Fayetteville Observer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

House has been a steady presence in the middle of the defense, averaging more than five tackles per game, notably against TCU and Charlotte. He has demonstrated strong instincts and an ability to analyze and diagnose plays quickly.

His lateral speed allows him to track ball carriers and prevent small gains from turning into breakaway runs. Many of his stops have come a few yards downfield, highlighting the need for more disruption at or behind the line of scrimmage.

Andrew Simpson — Redshirt Senior Linebacker

Sep 6, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte 49ers quarterback Conner Harrell (15) is tackled by North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Andrew Simpson (2) for a sack during the second half at Jerry Richardson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

House’s steadiness, paired with Simpson’s energy and explosiveness, makes for a lethal defensive duo. The Boise State transfer has already made his presence felt with an 11-tackle opener against TCU, followed by a disruptive performance against Charlotte in which he put up multiple tackles for a loss and a sack. His energy and downfield aggression give UNC a playmaker who can completely shift momentum on a single snap.

CB Thaddeus Dixon

CB Thaddeus Dixon | Grant Chachere, North Carolina Tar Heels On SI

Dixon has played an equally important role on the back end. In coverage against TCU, he allowed only 20 yards on six targets, and against Charlotte was rarely challenged.

This has been a clear sign of respect from his opponents. Dixon’s reliability and complexity give UNC safety in trusting one side of the field, freeing up safeties to provide help elsewhere. The key for Dixon will be to maintain concentration in games where quarterbacks avoid him.

Onto Week 3 v. Richmond

Aug 31, 2024; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Richmond Spiders players walk off the field during a storm delay in the first half against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium. | Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Taken together, House, Simpson, and Dixon represent three building blocks of what hopes to be a consistent Carolina defense. Each of these Tar Heels brings a complementary skill set. With House’s steadiness, Simpson’s disruptive playmaking, and Dixon’s full coverage provides this Carolina team with the assets they need to continue their winning streak.

As the Tar Heels prepare for Richmond, their ability to lean on this trio will go a long way in determining whether the defense can take the next step from promising to reliable.

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