UNC football names seven captains for 2026 season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 24, 2026, 6:05 PM
Last updated Aug 24, 2026
The University of North Carolina football team has named seven captains ahead of their 2026 season opener against TCU on August 29. Offensively, running back Benjamin Hall, offensive lineman Christo Kelly, and wide receiver Jordan Shipp will lead the Tar Heels. On defense, the captains are defensive end Melkart Abou-Jaoude, defensive back Kaleb Cost, defensive lineman Isaiah Johnson, and linebacker Derek McDonald. This announcement comes as the team looks to improve from their previous season after significant roster changes.
- •North Carolina's season opener is against TCU on August 29.
- •Seven captains were named for the season, including Hall and Shipp.
- •Abou-Jaoude is a standout pass-rusher with preseason honors.
- •McDonald returns as a leader following an injury-shortened season in 2025.
- 6:05 PMYahoo Sports — UNC football names team captains for 2026 season
"UNC's 2026 football season officially starts this Saturday. Meet this year's captains.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
FootballFootball•Aug 24, 2026, 7:07 PMBaldwyn player dismissed from team following arrest
NFL•Aug 24, 2026, 7:02 PMChiefs predicted to rebound in 2026 season thanks to 65% Patrick Mahomes stat
NFL•Aug 24, 2026, 7:02 PMSocial media reacts to Texans trade for WR Kayshon Boutte
NFL•Aug 24, 2026, 7:01 PMPatriots trade WR Kayshon Boutte to Texans for safety Jaylen Reed, draft pick, per report
Football•Aug 24, 2026, 7:00 PMKalen DeBoer says key Alabama position battle 'extremely competitive'
Football•Aug 24, 2026, 7:00 PMVote for Messenger/Herald football player of the week