University of North Carolina Athletics
Photo by: DALTON T. WAINSCOTT
June Selected To Doak Walker Award Preseason Watch List
August 18, 2026 | Football
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Following a breakout freshman campaign, North Carolina sophomore running back Demon June has been named to the Doak Walker Award Preseason Watch List, which recognizes the top running back in college football.
June appeared in every game for the Tar Heels last season, taking over as the starting running back against Richmond and went on to start nine games. He led Carolina in rushing yards with 464 on 84 attempts with two rushing touchdowns.
The Jacksonville, North Carolina, native also tallied 17 catches for 159 receiving yards, the third most on the team. He had one of his best games of the season at Syracuse, rushing for 101 yards on 13 carries with a touchdown and two receptions for 81 yards with a score.
June rushed for 148 yards on 14 carries with a touchdown against Richmond, his first career start. His 148 rushing yards against the Spiders were the most for a freshman running back since Michael Carter in 2017.
His 72-yard TD reception at Syracuse and 50-yard rush against Richmond were both the longest of the season by a Tar Heel.
The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name 10 semifinalists in November, and three finalists, as voted on by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee, will also be announced in November. The committee will cast a second vote in December to determine the recipient.
The National Selection Committee consists of past recipients, former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members and selected special representatives. The recipient of the 2026 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 10, 2026.
The award is named for SMU's three-time All-America running back Doak Walker. Each Tuesday of this season, The PwC SMU Athletic Forum will once again announce a Doak Walker National Running Back of the week.
The Tar Heels will kick off the 2026 season on Saturday, Aug. 29, in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic against TCU in Dublin, Ireland. That game is set for noon ET (5 p.m. local time) on ESPN from Aviva Stadium.
Season and single-game tickets for Carolina football can be purchased by clicking here.
June appeared in every game for the Tar Heels last season, taking over as the starting running back against Richmond and went on to start nine games. He led Carolina in rushing yards with 464 on 84 attempts with two rushing touchdowns.
The Jacksonville, North Carolina, native also tallied 17 catches for 159 receiving yards, the third most on the team. He had one of his best games of the season at Syracuse, rushing for 101 yards on 13 carries with a touchdown and two receptions for 81 yards with a score.
June rushed for 148 yards on 14 carries with a touchdown against Richmond, his first career start. His 148 rushing yards against the Spiders were the most for a freshman running back since Michael Carter in 2017.
His 72-yard TD reception at Syracuse and 50-yard rush against Richmond were both the longest of the season by a Tar Heel.
The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name 10 semifinalists in November, and three finalists, as voted on by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee, will also be announced in November. The committee will cast a second vote in December to determine the recipient.
The National Selection Committee consists of past recipients, former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members and selected special representatives. The recipient of the 2026 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 10, 2026.
The award is named for SMU's three-time All-America running back Doak Walker. Each Tuesday of this season, The PwC SMU Athletic Forum will once again announce a Doak Walker National Running Back of the week.
The Tar Heels will kick off the 2026 season on Saturday, Aug. 29, in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic against TCU in Dublin, Ireland. That game is set for noon ET (5 p.m. local time) on ESPN from Aviva Stadium.
Season and single-game tickets for Carolina football can be purchased by clicking here.
Players Mentioned
Running Back
/ FootballMonday, August 17
Friday, August 14
Friday, August 14
Friday, August 14