After five games of his redshirt senior season, UNC running back Caleb Hood on Friday announced he would “retire from football.”
Hood has 16 carries for 44 yards and a touchdown so far this season, and his decision comes as other players on the team and the UNC-Chapel Hill administration are closing ranks in support of head coach Bill Belichick.
The culture around the team has been in question after WRAL reports that players and parents complained about unequal treatment of players and a lack of communication from the coach. One of the key problems, sources tell WRAL, is a preference for Belichick recruits over those who were on the team when he was hired.
As a senior, Hood was one of those who remained on the team from the Mack Brown era.
According to several sources, some Belichick-recruited transfers have preferential parking for themselves and their parents, as well as more tickets for games. Sources also told WRAL that Belichick-recruited players who miss workouts or classes have not had their playing time affected.
Hood’s best season came in 2022, when he gained 250 yards on 43 carries over seven games. His touchdown against Clemson last weekend was the fourth of his career.
On Instagram, Hood thanked Belichick. The coach responded with a post of his own on X, writing that Hood “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 representative of our program.”
It’s not clear whether Hood’s decision, made on Wednesday according to Belichick’s post, is related to the turmoil within the Tar Heel locker room.
Since the revelations began, players have been vocal on social media in support of the coach.
Redshirt freshman Leroy Jackson posted on X, “TRUST THE PROCESS!!!” He committed to the program before Belichick was hired.
Sophomore linebacker Khmori House, a Belichick recruit, posted on X, “Block the noise. GoHeels. They can’t break us! Greatness is a Process.”
Players who have committed to the Heels have also sounded off in support, including Trashawn Ruffin, a 4-star senior defensive tackle at North Duplin High School. He told HighSchoolOT.com that UNC fans should “keep their heads up, lift up the staff and team through good and bad.”
According to the 247Sports composite, Belichick and UNC have the No. 17 class of 2026 recruiting class in the country.
“I truly believe it’s gonna be alright,” Ruffin added.
