Caleb Hood, who began the 2025 season as UNC’s starting running back, announced his retirement from football Friday on social media.

“My journey at UNC has been special and I appreciate my time here,” Hood said. “I am excited to start the next chapter and will always take my memories with me.”

“Caleb came to me Wednesday and shared his difficult decision to retire from playing football,” said head coach Bill Belichick. “I could feel his conviction and the peace with his playing career closing. Caleb is a great person, a leader and an exemplary teammate. He has done everything we have asked him to do as a student-athlete both on and off the field and he has been a model representation of our program.”

Hood struggled with injuries throughout his time at UNC, playing in only 31 total games across his five seasons in Chapel Hill. He never played more than seven games in a single season.

Hood began the 2025 season on a high note, scoring Carolina’s first touchdown of the season. He finished with 10 carries for 31 yards, but only managed six total carries over the next four games, including games against Richmond and UCF where he didn’t carry the ball at all.

Hood finishes his UNC career with 114 rushing attempts, 515 yards and three touchdowns as well as 24 receptions for 194 yards and a score. Hood even threw for a touchdown in UNC’s Fenway Bowl loss against UConn to conclude the 2024 season.

 

Featured image via Associated Press/Reinhold Matay

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