The ACC is absolutely loaded at the running back position for the upcoming 2026 college football season.
While there are plenty of great running backs who compete for various Atlantic Coast Conference programs, the UNC football program is lucky enough to have one of the best of the group on their roster. Ahead of his sophomore season, Demon June is earning national recognition, earning his rightful place on the watch list for the most notable award a running back can earn.
Demon June named to the 2026 Doak Walker Award Watch List
With the college football season rapidly approaching, the preseason watch list for the annual Doak Walker Award has been revealed. June represents the UNC football program on this list, serving as one of 12 ACC running backs to make the cut.
Preseason recognition for Demon June pic.twitter.com/QPTYiLgp3Q
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) August 18, 2026
The ACC's 12 candidates are tied for the most among all conferences on this preseason watch list, one that was released by the PwC SMU Athletic Forum. A full list of the ACC selections can be found below.
2026 Doak Walker Award Watch List – ACC Selections
- Evan Dickens, Sr., RB, Boston College
- Adam Mohammed, Jr., RB, California
- Ousmane Kromah, So., RB, Florida State
- Quintrevion Wisner, Sr., RB, Florida State
- Justice Haynes, Sr., RB, Georgia Tech
- Malachi Hosley, Sr., RB, Georgia Tech
- Mark Fletcher Jr., Sr., RB, Miami
- Demon June, So., RB, North Carolina
- Jayden "Duke" Scott, Jr., RB, NC State
- Kendrick Raphael, Sr., RB, SMU
- Peyton Lewis, Jr., RB, Virginia
- Marcellous Hawkins, 5th, RB, Virginia Tech
During the 2025 season, June burst onto the scene as a true freshman. He earned his first collegiate start against Richmond and never looked back, starting a total of 9 games during his freshman campaign.
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In that game, June rushed for 148 yards on 14 carries, giving him the most rushing yards by a Tar Heel freshman since Michael Carter during the 2017 season. His 50-yard run ended up being the longest rushing play from scrimmage that the UNC football program recorded.
Appearing in every game, June went on to emerge as the go-to running back for the Tar Heels. His 464 rushing yards were the most on the team, as he also added 17 catches and 159 receiving yards (third-most on the team).
Heading into his sophomore season, June is once again expected to play a significant role in the UNC football program's offense. While many of the pieces around him have changed, including the quarterback and offensive coordinator, expect North Carolina to find ways to get the ball in his hands, as Bill Belichick and his staff know that June is just scratching the surface to just how good he could ultimately be.
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June and the Tar Heels hope to get off to a strong start to begin the 2026 season when they travel to Ireland for a rematch with TCU on Saturday, August 29. If the Tar Heels find a way to win that game (and hopefully many games this season), expect June to play a significant role in that charge.
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