2026 UNC Football Running Back Room Overview
Article by: Trevor Williams
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When Bobby Petrino arrived in Chapel Hill, one of the biggest questions surrounding the offense was how the running back rotation would take shape. Throughout his coaching career, Petrino has consistently leaned on multiple backs, utilizing different skill sets to keep defenses off balance rather than relying on a single workhorse.
Fortunately for North Carolina, the Tar Heels enter 2026 with, on paper, a deep running back room.
The room features an established starter coming off a breakout freshman season, two physical Power Four backs capable of handling meaningful carries, several young players with intriguing upside, and a pair of talented freshmen who could eventually become key contributors. Whether it's pounding the football between the tackles or creating explosive plays in the passing game, UNC has options.
If the offensive line can take a step forward and Petrino's offense develops as expected, don't be surprised if this becomes one of the more productive rooms.
#0 Demon June | Running Back | 5’11, 215
Demon June enters the 2026 season as the leader of North Carolina's running back room after an impressive true freshman campaign. The Jacksonville, North Carolina native appeared in every game, quickly earning the starting job before finishing as the Tar Heels' leading rusher with 464 yards on just 84 carries, averaging 5.5 yards per attempt. He also proved to be a reliable receiving option out of the backfield, catching 17 passes for 159 yards and demonstrating the versatility every offense covets.
What Stands Out
June possesses everything coaches look for in a modern three-down running back. At 215 pounds, he combines physicality with impressive burst, allowing him to finish runs through contact while still having the speed to create explosive plays. His balance consistently shows up on film, as he rarely goes down after first contact and seems to get stronger as games progress.
What separates him from many young backs, however, is his versatility. June is comfortable catching the football, runs crisp routes out of the backfield, and continues to improve as a pass protector. Those traits allow him to remain on the field in virtually every situation, making him a difficult player for defenses to account for.
2026 Outlook
Everything points toward June becoming the featured back in Bobby Petrino's offense. He already proved as a freshman that he belongs at this level, and another offseason of development should only elevate his game. With a larger workload expected, June has all the tools to emerge as one of the better running backs in the ACC.
If North Carolina wants to establish balance offensively and take pressure off the quarterback, it will begin with getting No. 0 involved early and often. He's positioned for a breakout sophomore season and could become one of the faces of the offense in 2026.
#7 Benjamin Hall | Running Back | 5'11, 235
Benjamin Hall enters his second season at North Carolina as one of the veterans of the running back room. The former Michigan transfer appeared in 11 games during his first year in Chapel Hill, rushing for 274 yards and two touchdowns while earning a start against Charlotte. Hall finished second on the team in rushing and consistently showed flashes of being a dependable between-the-tackles runner. During spring practice, he also emerged as one of the leaders of the position group, embracing a veteran role while speaking highly of Bobby Petrino's emphasis on establishing a physical rushing attack.
Video Courtesy of ESPN
What Stands Out
Hall brings a physical ground-and-pound attack. At 235 pounds, he's one of the bigger running backs in the room and embraces the physical side of the position. He runs downhill with authority, keeps his legs driving through contact, and can wear defenses down over four quarters.
While he may not possess elite breakaway speed, Hall excels in situations where tough yards are required. His combination of size, balance, and toughness makes him an ideal option in short-yardage and goal-line situations, while his physical running style can help control games late in the fourth quarter.
2026 Outlook
Hall may not finish the season leading the team in carries, but he should play a significant role within Bobby Petrino's rotation. Petrino has rarely relied on one back throughout his career, and Hall's skill set complements Demon June extremely well.
Whether it's converting third-and-short, punching the ball into the end zone, or helping close out victories, Hall gives the Tar Heels a dependable physical presence they can trust. Every successful rushing attack needs a back willing to handle the dirty work, and Hall appears perfectly suited for that role. Don't be surprised if his impact ends up being even larger than many expect entering the season.
No. 5 Kaleb Jackson | Running Back | 6’0, 234
One of North Carolina's biggest additions this offseason came in the form of LSU transfer Kaleb Jackson. A former four-star recruit and one of the top running backs in the 2023 recruiting class, Jackson heads to Chapel Hill looking for a fresh start after spending two seasons in Baton Rouge. Although he flashed the talent that made him one of the nation's top prospects, he never secured a consistent role in LSU's crowded backfield. Now under Bobby Petrino, Jackson has an opportunity to reset his career while adding another experienced Power Four runner to an already talented UNC backfield.
What Stands Out
Jackson is an impressive combination of size, strength, and athleticism. At 234 pounds, he has the frame of a traditional power back, but he moves much better than most players his size. He accelerates quickly through the hole, runs with decisive one-cut ability, and has enough burst to turn routine carries into explosive gains.
One of the biggest things that stands out when watching Jackson is how little wasted movement there is in his game. Once he identifies a running lane, he plants his foot and gets downhill in a hurry. That decisive running style, combined with his ability to run through arm tackles, makes him a difficult player for defenders to bring down one-on-one.
2026 Outlook
Jackson has all the tools to become an X-factor on North Carolina's offense this season. While Demon June enters the year as the projected starter, don't expect Bobby Petrino to rely on just one running back. Throughout his coaching career, Petrino has consistently utilized multiple backs, and Jackson's skill set gives the Tar Heels another physical runner capable of handling a significant workload.
Sometimes a change of scenery is exactly what a player needs, and Jackson appears to have landed in an ideal situation. If he can rediscover the form that made him one of the nation's top recruits coming out of high school, he has the potential to become one of the most impactful transfers on the roster. By the end of the season, don't be surprised if UNC boasts one of the deepest three-man running back rotations in the ACC with Demon June, Benjamin Hall, and Kaleb Jackson leading the way.
No. 27 Jaylen McGill | Running Back | 5’10, 200
Jaylen McGill enters his second season in Chapel Hill as one of the more intriguing young players in North Carolina's running back room. The former four-star recruit out of Spartanburg, South Carolina, gained valuable experience during his freshman campaign by contributing as both a runner and receiver while also seeing time on special teams. Although his offensive opportunities were limited, the experience he gained should position him well heading into his sophomore season.
What Stands Out
McGill offers a different skill set than the bigger backs ahead of him on the depth chart. He's a smooth, patient runner with excellent vision and quick feet, allowing him to make defenders miss in tight spaces before accelerating into the second level. His natural receiving ability also stands out, giving him another avenue to contribute in Bobby Petrino's offense.
What really jumps off the tape is his ability to create yards on his own. McGill doesn't always need perfect blocking to be productive, as his lateral quickness and balance allow him to make the first defender miss and extend plays. Those traits could make him a valuable change-of-pace option throughout the season.
2026 Outlook
Touches won't be easy to come by in the running back room, but McGill has the versatility to carve out a role. Whether it's on passing downs, in specific offensive packages, or continuing to contribute on special teams, he brings a skill set that complements the more physical runners on the roster.
McGill may not enter the season as one of the headline names in the backfield, but he's the type of player who can maximize every opportunity. If he continues developing, don't be surprised if he produces a handful of explosive plays that remind fans why he arrived in Chapel Hill as one of the nation's more highly regarded running back recruits.
No. 23 Charleston French | Running Back | 5’9, 205
Charleston French returns for his third season at North Carolina after preserving his redshirt during his first year with the program. The former Itawamba Community College standout appeared in four games in 2024, rushing for 84 yards and a touchdown on just 10 carries. His biggest moment came against NC Central, when he broke free for a 58-yard touchdown run that showcased the explosiveness he displayed throughout both his high school and junior college careers. Last year, his opportunities were limited with 1 attempt for 3 yards.
Before arriving in Chapel Hill, French established himself as one of the nation's top junior college running backs, rushing for 924 yards and eight touchdowns while earning NJCAA All-Region 23 honors. He also left Amory High School as the school's all-time leading rusher with more than 5,600 career rushing yards and 70 touchdowns.
What Stands Out
French is a patient runner who allows blocks to develop before exploding through the hole. At 5- foot-9, he runs with a naturally low center of gravity that makes him difficult to square up in the open field. His vision, acceleration, and ability to find the end zone have been consistent themes throughout every stop of his football career.
His long touchdown against NC Central in 2024 offered another reminder of the big-play ability he possesses. Once he finds daylight, French has the speed and burst to turn a small crease into a game-changing run.
2026 Outlook
French enters the season competing in a deep running back room. Meaning consistent touches may be difficult to earn. Still, another offseason in the program should continue his development, and he gives the Tar Heels valuable depth behind the top of the rotation.
Every successful team needs dependable players who can step in when called upon, and French has already proven throughout his career that he can produce. If injuries occur or Carolina decides to expand its rotation, don't be surprised if French takes advantage of the opportunity and provides meaningful snaps during the season.
No. 20 Crew Davis | Running Back | 5’11, 205
Crew Davis enters Chapel Hill as one of the most exciting newcomers in North Carolina's 2026 recruiting class. The Connecticut native starred at Iona Prep in New York, earning New York State Player of the Year honors after an outstanding senior season. Davis rushed for more than 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding nearly 400 receiving yards, showcasing the allaround skill set that made him one of the top running back prospects in the Northeast. A standout lacrosse player as well, Davis brings impressive athleticism and versatility to an already talented running back room.
What Stands Out
Despite being one of the youngest players in the room, Davis already possesses many of the traits coaches look for in a modern running back. He's an explosive athlete with outstanding vision, soft hands, and the ability to make defenders miss in space. Whether catching swing passes, screens, or lining up outside the formation, Davis looks comfortable with the football in his hands.
He also plays with more physicality than his frame might suggest. Rather than constantly trying to bounce runs outside, Davis isn't afraid to lower his shoulder, fight through contact, and pick up extra yardage. That balance between finesse and toughness gives him tremendous long-term potential within Bobby Petrino's offense.
2026 Outlook
With Demon June, Benjamin Hall, Kaleb Jackson, and several experienced backs on this roster, Davis won't be asked to carry a significant workload immediately. That may actually be the best-case scenario for both him and North Carolina, allowing him to continue developing without unnecessary pressure.
His versatility could still earn him opportunities in specific offensive packages, especially if Petrino looks to create mismatches in the passing game. While his biggest impact may come in future seasons, don't be surprised if Davis flashes enough playmaking ability this fall to give Tar Heel fans plenty of reasons to be excited about what's ahead.
No. 26 JoJo Troupe | Running Back | 5’8, 200
JoJo Troupe enters the 2026 season after spending his first year in Chapel Hill developing behind a veteran running back room. The Tampa, Florida native arrived at North Carolina following a decorated high school career at Berkeley Prep, where he rushed for 3,444 career yards and 42 touchdowns. His junior season alone saw him eclipse 1,500 rushing yards while averaging more than 100 yards per game, cementing himself as one of the most productive running backs in program history. After redshirting in 2025, Troupe now looks to continue his development in year two.
What Stands Out
Troupe is a compact, explosive runner who consistently plays bigger than his listed size. His low center of gravity makes him difficult to bring down, while his quick feet and change of direction allow him to slip through tight running lanes. He runs with excellent balance, routinely bouncing off contact and keeping his feet moving to create extra yardage.
Watching his high school tape, one trait consistently stands out: his vision. Troupe has a natural feel for setting up defenders before making decisive cuts, allowing him to maximize every carry. Those instincts, combined with his competitiveness, give him plenty of upside moving forward.
2026 Outlook
Like several young backs on the roster, Troupe faces the challenge of earning touches in an exceptionally crowded running back room. With experienced players ahead of him on the depth chart, his primary focus this season will likely be continuing to develop while contributing wherever possible.
The good news for North Carolina is there's no need to rush his progression. Troupe has the talent to become a quality contributor down the road, and a year learning Bobby Petrino's offense should only accelerate that development. While offensive opportunities may be limited this season, he's another player whose future in Chapel Hill looks promising.
Final Thoughts
North Carolina enters the 2026 season with a deep running back room on paper, and that depth should be a major asset in Bobby Petrino's first year calling the offense. Demon June appears ready to emerge as the featured back after an impressive freshman campaign, while Benjamin Hall and Kaleb Jackson provide two physical, experienced options capable of handling significant workloads.
Beyond the top three, the Tar Heels have several players who bring unique skill sets to the offense. Jaylen McGill offers versatility as both a runner and receiver, Charleston French provides proven depth with big-play potential, and freshmen Crew Davis and JoJo Troupe give the program two exciting long-term pieces to develop.
Perhaps the biggest strength of this room isn't having one superstar; it's having multiple backs capable of contributing in different ways. That versatility fits perfectly with Bobby Petrino's
