Heading into the season, the expectation in Chapel Hill was that North Carolina’s backfield would be built around Davion Gause. He came in as the presumed lead back, the guy most figured would carry the bulk of the load. But as is often the case in college football, the depth chart doesn’t always tell the full story - and it didn’t take long for things to shift.
Demon June, who started the year buried deep on the depth chart, didn’t even see the field until Week 2. But by the time UNC faced Richmond in Week 3, June wasn’t just getting snaps - he was leading the backfield. He exploded for 148 rushing yards in that game, and just like that, the Tar Heels had a new workhorse.
June’s rise was one of the more compelling storylines in an otherwise unpredictable season for the Tar Heels’ running backs. While his breakout against Richmond hinted at a possible feature role, the rotation never really settled.
Head coach Bill Belichick - in his first year at the helm in Chapel Hill - leaned heavily on a committee approach, often deploying four or five backs in a single game. That meant touches were hard to come by on a consistent basis, even for the most productive players.
A perfect example? June racked up 182 total yards against Syracuse in a performance that looked like a turning point.
But the following week, he touched the ball just three times. That kind of usage pattern became the norm rather than the exception.
Whether it was a strategic decision, a response to game flow, or simply the staff still evaluating its young talent, the result was a backfield that remained in flux all season long.
Gause, for his part, never quite found his footing. The early-season struggles to get on the field persisted, and he never fully reclaimed the spotlight many expected him to own. Meanwhile, Benjamin Hall - who drew some interest from Michigan before landing in Chapel Hill - remained in the mix, adding another layer of intrigue to a crowded room.
The one constant? Youth.
This is still a very young group, and with that comes both potential and uncertainty. But in the age of the transfer portal, it’s fair to wonder if everyone in this backfield will stick around.
With so many mouths to feed and no clear-cut lead role, at least one back could look elsewhere in 2026 for more guaranteed carries and a bigger spotlight.
As the offseason begins and the Tar Heels evaluate their roster, the running backs room will be one to watch closely. The talent is there - we’ve seen flashes from multiple players - but the challenge now is finding clarity in the chaos. Whether that comes through development, departures, or a shift in philosophy remains to be seen.