North Carolina’s running back room enters the 2026 season with returning production, added experience and several unproven players competing for opportunities. After ranking 14th among ACC teams in rushing yards last season, the Tar Heels bring back their top two rushers in sophomore Demon June and veteran Benjamin Hall.
The pair accounted for more than half of North Carolina’s rushing production in 2025. The backfield also welcomes former LSU running back Kaleb Jackson, along with several young players looking to establish themselves.
Demon June leads North Carolina’s backfield
June is expected to play a central role after leading North Carolina in rushing during his first-year season. He carried 84 times for 464 yards, scored two rushing touchdowns and added one receiving touchdown across 11 games.
The sophomore showed flashes of explosive ability, including a 148-yard performance against Richmond. That was the most rushing yards in a single game by a North Carolina first-year running back since Michael Carter ran for 157 yards against Virginia in 2017.
June’s usage and production were inconsistent, however. More than half of his rushing yards came in two games, and he finished the final four games of the season with 20 carries for 48 yards.
At his best, June can make explosive plays and develop into North Carolina’s primary running back. With more opportunities likely in the backfield this season, he has a chance to become a consistent contributor.
Benjamin Hall brings experience
Hall has the potential to complement June effectively. The veteran was North Carolina’s second-leading rusher last season, recording 274 yards and two touchdowns on 71 carries.
His best performance came against California, when he rushed for 68 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. Entering his fourth season, Hall provides valuable experience to a relatively uncertain position group.
Tar Heels add depth with Kaleb Jackson
North Carolina also has several returning players competing for backfield opportunities. Sophomore Jaylen McGill appeared in 10 games last season and recorded 19 rushing yards on seven carries. Junior Charleston French has totaled 87 rushing yards during his first two seasons with the Tar Heels.
The Tar Heels added redshirt junior Kaleb Jackson, who spent the first three seasons of his college career at LSU. Jackson recorded 331 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 82 career carries with the Tigers, though his opportunities were limited last season. He carried seven times for 16 yards across four games.
At 6-foot, 240 pounds, Jackson gives North Carolina a physical presence in the backfield and could provide an option in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Crew Davis adds future potential
North Carolina also added first-year running back Crew Davis, the lone running back recruit in the Tar Heels’ 2026 class. Davis arrives after a standout career at Iona Preparatory, where he was named MaxPreps New York Player of the Year as a junior. He rushed for 2,078 yards and 23 touchdowns during that season.
With June and Hall returning and Jackson joining the position group, Davis may have to wait for his opportunity. His high school production nevertheless gives North Carolina another potential option as it builds depth at running back.
The Tar Heels’ running back room combines returning production and experience with emerging potential. With offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino expected to use a balanced approach, the group’s ability to produce consistently will be crucial to North Carolina’s offensive performance throughout the 2026 season.
Source: dailytarheel.com
