Demon June's extreme efficiency anchors UNC offense in win vs. ETSU - Tar Heels Wire

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Through their first two football games in 2026, the North Carolina Tar Heels already have half their win total from a season ago.

Through their first two football games in 2026, the North Carolina Tar Heels already have half their win total from a season ago.

On Saturday, UNC dominated ETSU from opening kickoff in a 35-3 victory. North Carolina (2-0) generated 427 yards of offense, with four different players recording a touchdown.

Sophomore running back Demon June proved the Tar Heels' most efficient offensive player, scoring three touchdowns on just seven carries. June detailed his big day after the win, highlighting his teammates in how UNC was able to continuously moving the football and score at will.

“It’s effort," June said. "We have a group of guys that want to put points up. I’m going to keep repeating it, but just knowing the preparation and stuff, work that we put in here through the week, just be out there and showcase it all, it just feels so good. One through 11, no matter who’s putting the ball in the end zone, you know you played a part in the play to get it done. That’s how it went today. It just felt good.”

North Carolina starting its scoring party early, when Billy Edwards and Jelani Thurman connected on a 24-yard touchdown in the first quarter. The next quarter, Edwards found running back Benjamin Hall on a 26-yard wheel route.

June scored the Tar Heels' final three touchdowns, punching the football in from nine, six and one yard out, putting Saturday's game out of reach for the Buccaneers (1-1).

From Saturday's efficiency alone, June should start for UNC when it travels to Clemson for its ACC opener on September 19. As June said best, it doesn't matter who scores for North Carolina, but moreo the fact someone scores.

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https://tarheelswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/tarheels/football/2026/09/13/unc-football-demon-june-three-touchdowns-etsu-buccaners-september-12/91747731007/
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