Seeing a player compete against your team is often the best way to identify student-athletes who would make sense for your program down the road if the opportunity presents itself.
While games against FCS opponents don't typically generate much buzz for teams like North Carolina, you could rest assure that the staff is keeping a close eye on potential transfer portal targets.
An example is Isaiah Dawson, a wide receiver who spent the 2025 season at Richmond. While his team struggled offensively in its 41-6 loss to North Carolina in September, Dawson showed flashes of his play making ability, averaging 18.5 yards per-catch on his pair of receptions.
Bill Belichick and the UNC football program must've loved what they saw from Dawson, as they wasted no time extending an offer his way once the official transfer portal window opened on Friday.
BLESSED TO RECEIVE AN OFFER FROM UNC!!🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/DzVqK5gJXL
— Isaiah Dawson (@_IsaiahDawson) January 2, 2026
More on Isaiah Dawson
Dawson is a 5-foot-8, 191-pound wide receiver from Garner, North Carolina. He spent his first two seasons in college at Richmond, as he redshirted his true freshman season in 2024 before becoming an instant spark for the Spiders' in various roles.
If you're looking for a type of comparison, you can make the case that Dawson has a little Tavon Austin in him. A guy with elite-level speed, he can beat you in a variety of ways, especially on special teams as a kick or punt returner.
Richmond WR Isaiah Dawson is one of the most explosive WRs in the portal.
— Riley Alberts (@CfbRalb) December 21, 2025
He contributed 1386 YDs this year for the Spiders. Dawson is expected to play at the Power 4 level, he has 3 years of eligibility remaining.
Where should Isaiah go? 🤔⬇️@_IsaiahDawson @centralsectiono… pic.twitter.com/nqFnipE6u5
During the 2025 season, Dawson contributed 1,386 total yards, ranking third in the Patriot League in all-purpose yards a game (104.5). His 543 return yards also ranked third in the Patriot League and 21st overall among FCS qualifiers.
By watching his film, you can see why the UNC football program wasted no time extending an offer his way. An in-state product who proved that he's ready for the challenge of competing at the FBS level, Dawson is a guy the Tar Heels would love to not only keep in-state, but see wearing Carolina Blue to continue his collegiate career.