Getting Demon June back on campus for another season was a huge offseason move for the UNC football program.
While June showed plenty of promise during his true freshman season, the rest of the running back depth chart behind him leaves plenty of question marks.
Bill Belichick and the UNC football program hope that this latest addition helps them solidify the depth chart a bit.
Kaleb Jackson commits to North Carolina
The UNC football program has secured a commitment from former LSU running back Kaleb Jackson. He will come to Chapel Hill after spending the past three seasons in Baton Rouge.
LSU running back Kaleb Jackson has signed with North Carolina, @On3 has learned. https://t.co/NUVZtWmlXP pic.twitter.com/Yxsjln0S1M
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) January 19, 2026
More on Kaleb Jackson
A former four-star prospect, Jackson showed a ton of promise during his true freshman season. However, his production (and playing time) took a drastic hit as time went on, as he was limited to just seven carries during the 2025 season. Overall, he rushed 82 times for 331 yards, finding the end zone on four separate occasions.
How can Jackson help UNC?
The UNC football program needs running back depth, something that Jackson likely can help provide.
We saw last season how Bill Belichick and company have no problem rotating running backs in an effort to keep everyone fresh while getting the ball in the hands of the guy who has the hot hand at the moment. While June should factor in as a workhorse running back for the Tar Heels, there will still be plenty of carries to go around, some of which Jackson should factor in for.
The team's running back depth chart now features three backs who the UNC football program feel confident in giving the football to. June, Jackson and Benjamin Hall, another projected returner, should provide plenty of stability in the backfield for new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino to utilize.
We've officially past the deadline for players to enter the transfer portal, but there are still players who haven't committed to new programs. While North Carolina has said they aim to have their roster set by the end of the transfer portal window, don't be surprised if some last-minute moves come along as the Tar Heels aim to bolster its 2026 roster as much as possible.