Melkart Abou-Jaoude leads UNC's defensive line into 2026 season

Melkart Abou-Jaoude returns to North Carolina's football team for the 2026 season after leading the ACC in sacks last year. In 2025, he recorded 10.5 sacks, the first Tar Heel to achieve double digits since 2013. He finished fourth on the team with 47 tackles and logged a team-high 646 snaps. Despite facing more attention from opposing offenses this season, Abou-Jaoude is expected to remain a key player for UNC's defense. His performance this year will be crucial for the team's success, following the transfer of his defensive counterpart, Tyler Thompson, to Louisville.

• 8:00 PMYahoo Sports — 2026 UNC Football Breakdown: DE Melkart Abou-Jaoude