North Carolina’s FCS ranks said goodbye to some serious arm talent after the 2024 season.
Western Carolina’s Cole Gonzales — a two-time All-SoCon selection — hit the portal for Oklahoma, then spring-boarded again to Pitt.
Gardner-Webb’s Tyler Riddell, who led the state’s FCS contingent with 2,573 passing yards, is using his final season at Duquesne after a strong one-year run in Boiling Springs.
And Elon’s Matthew Downing wrapped up a solid two-year stint with 2,049 yards and 16 touchdowns last fall.
But don’t be fooled — the QB cupboard isn’t bare as the 2025 season comes into view. Several experienced signal-callers are ready to compete for the center-stage spotlight this fall. Here are the top four returning passers from North Carolina FCS programs, based on 2024 production.
1. Walker Harris | North Carolina Central
After multiple years behind Davius Richard, Harris made the most of his long-awaited shot in 2024. The redshirt senior from Wake Forest (Heritage HS) was steady and efficient, throwing for 1,882 yards, 18 touchdowns, and just six picks while guiding the Eagles to an 8-3 finish.
With major offensive weapons gone — including RB J’Mari Taylor (now at Virginia) and WR Joaquin Davis (NFL UDFA) — NCCU will lean on Harris’ experience as it aims to reclaim the MEAC crown.
2. Taron Dickens | Western Carolina
When Gonzales went down late in the season, Dickens stepped in — and lit it up.
The redshirt sophomore from Miami (Northwestern HS) delivered a pair of 400-yard performances, earned freshman All-America honors from FCS Central and finished with 1,428 yards, 12 TDs and just three interceptions in limited action.
He added 151 yards and a TD in WCU’s spring game. With head coach Kerwin Bell and OC Rylan Wells back for another year of drawing up plays, Dickens might be the next big thing in Cullowhee.
3. Mike Chandler II | Campbell
Chandler brought a dual-threat dynamic to the Camels’ offense in 2024, posting 1,033 passing yards and 10 touchdowns through the air, plus 352 rushing yards and two more scores as a part-time starter alongside Chad Mascoe.
The graduate transfer from Lamar has experience on his side heading into a fierce quarterback competition that began in spring. He’s battling recent transfers Jalen Ferguson and Kamden Sixkiller, but Chandler’s knowledge of the system could give him a slight edge.
Also worth noting: the entire Campbell QB room posted a perfect 4.0 GPA this spring (see tweet below). Nerds run the offense in Buies Creek, and we’re here for it.
4. Andrew Frazier | Davidson
With a new head coach, Davidson’s offense will look a lot different in 2025. But Frazier brings an intriguing mix of arm and legs — and continuity — to the table.
The former Havelock High standout threw for 557 yards and five TDs last season as a part-time starter in Davidson’s run-heavy option attack. He also added 372 rushing yards and four touchdowns — including a 38-yard scramble against Stetson.
If he wins the job under new coach Saj Thakkar, Frazier could shine in a more balanced offense.
Wildcard: Jalen Ferguson | Campbell
One of the most intriguing transfers in our state in the off-season, Ferguson brings a big gun to Buies Creek. He threw for 3,276 yards (tops in the state at any level) and 19 touchdowns in 2024 while leading Lenoir-Rhyne to 10 wins and a second-round D2 playoff appearance.
The West Forsyth grad is now in Buies Creek and could absolutely push for the starting gig. If he adapts quickly to the FCS level, don’t be surprised if he’s slinging darts all over the CAA by midseason.
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