Story by
Which UNC running back is poised for a breakout 2025 season?
- Story by
- Which UNC running back is poised for a breakout 2025 season?
For the first time in what seems like forever, the North Carolina Tar Heels have a positional battle amongst their running backs.
UNC landed Michigan transfer Benjamin Hall, plus freshman Demon June joins the program this fall. North Carolina will also return Caleb Hood, who withdrew himself from the transfer portal , plus redshirt sophomore Charleston French.
Advertisement
The Tar Heels' top running back in their crowded, largely unproven room is returning sophomore Davion Gause , who showcased flashes of potential during a 38-20, Week 2 victory over Charlotte in 2024.
Omarion Hampton stole offensive headlines for UNC last season – and rightfully so. Hampton re-wrote the North Carolina record books, ranking both Top Five in career and single-season rushing yards, while earning himself a first round NFL Draft selection in April.
The Tar Heels encountered a scary moment during halftime of their Week 2 win against Charlotte, learning Hampton wouldn't play at all during the second half. With no Superman in the backfield, UNC turned to its then-freshman back from Opa-Locka.
Gause didn't just fill in admirably for Hampton, he exceeded every expectation. Gause ran for 105 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries, helping North Carolina turn a somewhat-close game into a blowout.
Advertisement
The Tar Heels' next game against NC Central, Gause found the end zone once again. Gause scored both UNC touchdowns during a November 23 loss against Boston College , showing – once again – he knows how to produce.
As North Carolina prepares to play its most exciting season in what feels like forever, there are still plenty of unknowns across the roster. Even in limited 2024 action, Gause gives the Tar Heels one constant they can rely on this fall – and that's why Gause will break out.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X (formerly Twitter) 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 running back Davion Gause poised for a big 2025 season
