As we approach the 2026 college football season, several Tar Heels have been named to watch lists for national awards. Check out the complete rundown below, and check back in throughout the season to see an updated list!
RB Demon June — Doak Walker Award
North Carolina running back Demon June (35) runs upfield against Richmond defensive lineman Camden Byrd (6) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
As a true freshman in 2025, June emerged as one of UNC’s most explosive options on the ground. He rose up the depth chart in the early part of the season and eventually started nine games, leading the team in rushing yards with 464. June accounted for the team’s longest rush (72 yards) and reception (50 yards) of the season, both of which resulted in touchdowns. He is on the watch list for the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation’s most outstanding running back.
LB Peyton Seelmann — Butkus Award
Image via UNC Athletic Communications
The 2026 season will be Seelmann’s first with UNC. He is coming off an outstanding 2025 season with Richmond, during which he ranked eighth in the FCS with 120 total tackles and was named first team All-Patriot League. Seelmann also totaled five pass break-ups, four quarterback hurries, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He is on the watch list for the Butkus Award, given to the nation’s top linebacker.
DE Melkart Abou-Jaoude — Bronko Nagurski Trophy
Image via UNC Athletic Communications/Andy Mead
Another breakout star from 2025, Abou-Jaoude showed no ill effects from transferring up from FCS Delaware to UNC. He led the ACC and ranked fifth in the nation with 10.5 sacks during the regular season, the sixth most in a single season in Carolina history. His 646 snaps played also were the most of any defensive lineman in the ACC. He was named second team all-conference. This year, Abou-Jaoude is on the watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, given to the most outstanding defensive player in college football.
TE Jelani Thurman — John Mackey Award
Image via UNC Athletic Communications
Thurman transferred to UNC in the offseason after spending the previous three years with Ohio State, including the Buckeyes’ national title-winning campaign in 2024. Thurman played in every game for Ohio State in each of the past two seasons, finishing the 2025 season with seven catches for 84 yards and a touchdown. He is on the watch list for the John Mackey Award, given to the nation’s best tight end.
WR Jordan Shipp — AFCA Good Works Team, Allstate Wuerffel Trophy
North Carolina wide receiver Jordan Shipp, right, scores a touchdown in front of Syracuse defensive back Devin Grant, left, during the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, in Syracuse, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Jordan Shipp has emerged as a face of the UNC program after just two full seasons. He led the Tar Heels in catches, yards and touchdowns in 2025 and will return to the team in 2026 after earning his undergraduate degree. Shipp plans to pursue his master’s degree this academic year. He has been nominated for the 2026 Allstate and American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team and the 2026 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, both of which recognize a player’s off-the-field contributions in addition to his on-field excellence.
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