REPORT: UNC’s Mack Brown Confirms More Bad News On Future Role for Running Back

Senior running back Caleb Hood has faced numerous injuries throughout his time with North Carolina, but he’s not done yet. Hood will suit up for one more season as Head Coach Mack Brown announced on Monday that Hood will redshirt this year, with plans to return to the Tar Heels in 2025, according to Tar Heel Illustrated.

Although his career has been injury-laden, Hood now has one last chance for a healthy season. A lower-body injury during the offseason has limited him to just three games this year, in which he managed only six carries for one yard and three catches for 29 yards. Even when healthy, Hood has found himself buried on the depth chart.

Hood has never completed more than seven games in a single season, with his best showing in 2022, where he rushed for 250 yards, caught passes for 119 yards, and scored one touchdown before an upper-body injury ended his season early.

Looking ahead to 2025, Hood will aim to support a Tar Heels backfield in need of depth, especially with star Omarion Hampton likely entering the 2025 NFL Draft. North Carolina may rely on a committee approach to replace Hampton, and Hood could play a role in that rotation.

While he may still have limited reps behind Davion Gause and in competition with Charleston French and incoming freshman Demon June, Hood is expected to have a greater impact next season than he did this year. Any additional contribution from Hood would be welcome for the Tar Heels.