Running Back Uncertainty Looms for UNC Ahead of Belichick’s Second Season
The Tar Heels’ backfield enters the 2026 campaign with a patchwork of talent that has yet to prove its reliability. June, who topped the team with 464 rushing yards last season, showed flashes of explosiveness but also struggled to find a consistent role. Benjamin Hall, the second‑leading rusher with 274 yards, delivered a memorable 68‑yard touchdown against California, yet his overall production remained uneven. Sophomore Charleton French, who managed only a single carry for 16 yards after a strong freshman campaign, and freshman Jaylen McGill, who appeared in just six games and gained 19 rushing yards while adding 49 receiving yards, round out a group that has produced mixed results.
Adding to the mix are two newcomers who bring both promise and questions. Transfer Kaleb Jackson arrives from LSU, where he amassed 331 yards and four scores over three seasons, but his impact at UNC was limited to a handful of carries last year. Freshman recruit Crew Davis, celebrated for his dual‑threat abilities in high school, posted over 1,600 combined yards and 18 touchdowns, but his transition to college football will be closely watched. Coach Bill Belichick has emphasized that a stable running game is essential for a quarterback room that is still finding its identity.
The coaching staff is reportedly experimenting with formations that can maximize each player’s strengths while mitigating weaknesses. Early practice reports suggest that the team is seeking clearer role definitions, hoping to turn a group that has produced inconsistent output into a cohesive unit capable of supporting a more balanced attack.
If the Tar Heels can iron out the inconsistencies and give their newcomers the playing time they need, the running back position could become a cornerstone of the offense. Otherwise, the team may have to rely more heavily on the passing game, placing additional pressure on a quarterback corps that is still developing.