UNC running back emphasizes culture-building for 2026 on-field success

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Over the course of his nearly 50 seasons as an NFL coach, Bill Belichick developed a strong culture at every stop, most notably during his 24 years as the New England Patriots' head coach.

Belichick won six Super Bowl and 17 AFC East titles in Foxborough, but resigned after a second-straight losing season in 2023-24. In December 2024, the North Carolina Tar Heelshired Belichick as their next head coach.

UNC suffered through a 4-8 record in 2025, starting with a 48-14 blowout loss to TCU that quickly killed any offseason anticipation. Heading into 2026, North Carolina redshirt junior running back Benjamin Hall says there is now an established, positive culture in Chapel Hill.

“Yeah I think it’s valuable, just kind of being able to build that culture," Hall said. "College football today is like a revolving door. And you can get guys in in January, build the culture, especially with a bunch of young guys and new guys, quarterbacks, running back, every single position. If you really want to be a good team, you’ve got to build culture. The only way to do that is to have continuity. You’re teaching things in January that are going to help you in August, instead of having to learn them in June.”

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Hall is entering his second season in Chapel Hill, after previously transferring over from Michigan and winning a National Championship during his freshman year. Hall ran for 294 yards and two touchdowns on 71 carries last season, serving as a complement to breakout star Demon June in the Tar Heels' backfield.

UNC kicks off its 2026 campaign on Saturday, August 29 at 12 p.m. with an across-the-pond rematch vs. TCU. Will Hall continue to be a crucial part of establishing the offseason culture North Carolina is building?

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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC running back emphasizes culture-building for 2026 on-field success

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