Heading into the 2026 season, it appeared that Davion Gause was ready to take the reins of being the UNC football program's three-down running back.
With Omarion Hampton departing for the NFL, Gause, who elected to return to Chapel Hill for his sophomore season, was also projected to be among the nation's best at his position. He earned Doak Walker Award Preseason recognition, as we all expected him to be the next great running back to wear the Carolina Blue.
Unfortunately, his sophomore season was a disappointment.
Now, Gause is looking for a new home, as he plans to enter the transfer portal.
BREAKING: North Carolina RB Davion Gause plans to enter the @TransferPortal, his agency tells @On3Sports⁰⁰Through 2 seasons he’s totaled 762 yards and 9 TDs⁰⁰He’s appeared in every game the last 2 years⁰⁰Repped by @caseygunn0 of @SetVisionMgmthttps://t.co/RlUbB6EMhS pic.twitter.com/4OV38oWYuX
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 5, 2025
Gause's time at North Carolina
As a freshman, Gause recorded 67 carries for 326 yards and four touchdowns. While serving as Hampton's backup, Gause had some very bright moments, including a 100-yard rushing performance against Charlotte in his UNC football program debut.
While he became more active in the passing game under Bill Belichick's regime, Gause's carries took a hit. He recorded 61 carries for 259 yards and three touchdowns, adding 16 receptions for 132 yards and an additional two scores as a receiver.
A combination of factors
Not only did the UNC football program's staff rely on a "running back by committee" type of approach, the emergence of true freshman Demon June certainly played a role in Gause's playing time. With June being the most productive member of the running back group, it limited opportunities for others, especially Gause, who essentially became a non-factor down the stretch.
What does this mean for UNC?
Gause is an extremely talented running back, but he just doesn't seem to fit into what Bill Belichick and the UNC football program wants to do offensively. If June elects to return (which Tar Heel fans are hoping he does), it's very possible that he once again will carry a heavy load in the backfield, leaving others behind him on the depth chart grinding for in-game opportunities.
Seeing the writing on the wall, Gause will look to continue his college football career elsewhere, as he knows he has the potential of being an every down back for another program.
As the transfer portal news heats up, check out our tracker for all the latest news and updates surrounding the UNC football program.