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Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026

UNC OT James Hurst suffers broken left leg in Belk Bowl

Terrible news for the potential high NFL Draft pick. No word on the length of his recovery process yet.

Update:

North Carolina offensive lineman James Hurst sustained what appears to be a serious leg injury in the first quarter of the Belk Bowl against Cincinnati. Hurst was down on the ground for several minutes, and had to be helped off by trainers. He wasn't able to put any weight on his left leg, and it doesn't look like he'll be returning. Hurst is a senior, so it looks like his career as a Tar Heel may be over.

Hurst is considered an NFL prospect, and our own Mocking the Draft ranks him as the 50th-best player in the upcoming draft, which pegs him as a mid-to-late second round draft pick. He is also ranked as the sixth-best offensive tackle in the class by Mocking the Draft.

North Carolina has jumped out to a quick 16-0 lead over the Bearcats, and will hope to hold on to it without the services of their star offensive lineman

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