UNC football running back named to Doak Walker list

North Carolina sophomore running back Demon June has been named to the Doak Walker Award Preseason Watch List after a standout freshman season. The award honors the top running back in college football.

June appeared in every game for the Tar Heels and made nine starts last season, leading Carolina with 464 rushing yards on 84 carries and two rushing touchdowns.

The Jacksonville, North Carolina, native also made an impact in the passing game, finishing with 17 catches for 159 yards, the third-most receiving yards on the team. One of his best performances came at Syracuse, where he rushed for 101 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries while adding two catches for 81 yards and another score.

Preseason recognition for Demon June pic.twitter.com/QPTYiLgp3Q

— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) August 18, 2026

In his first career start against Richmond, June rushed for 148 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown. That was the most rushing yards by a Tar Heel freshman running back since Michael Carter in 2017.

The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name 10 semifinalists in November, followed by three finalists. The 2026 Doak Walker Award winner will be announced Dec. 10 on The Home Depot College Football Awards.

North Carolina opens the 2026 season Saturday, Aug. 29, against TCU in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland.

Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC football running back named to Doak Walker list