UNC's top pass-rusher nominated for prestigious defensive award

Just a few weeks out from starting their 2026 football campaign, the North Carolina Tar Heels are hoping their mix of returners and offseason additions propel them to heightened success.

UNC trudged to a 4-8 record in 2025, with anticipation from Bill Belichick’s hiring quickly dying out during the blowout loss to TCU. North Carolina beat Charlotte and Richmond in consecutive September weeks, then didn’t win again until a Halloween victory over Syracuse.

One of the Tar Heels’ best 2025 surprises came in the form of defensive end Melkart Abou Jaoude. On Tuesday, Abou Jaoude earned himself a nomination to the Bronco Nagurski Award Preseason Watch List, an award annually given to the best defensive player in college football.

Abou Jaoude continued UNC’s recent trend of promising pass rushers, leading his teammates with 12 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. The Delaware transfer’s best stretch came during late October/early November, when he totaled eight sacks between a 2-1 stretch for North Carolina.

Preseason Recognition for Melkart 🏈 pic.twitter.com/idi2DcOag2

— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) August 4, 2026

The Tar Heels lost most of their other 2025 pass-rushing production. Tyler Thompson (7.5 TFLs, seven sacks) transferred to Louisville and Andrew Simpson (nine TFLs, five sacks) graduated, while CJ Mims (2.5 TFLs, two sacks) transferred to Texas A&M.

Abou Jaoude’s return ensures him entering this fall as one of the ACC’s best pass-rushers, but he’ll also get some help from Richmond transfer Donovan Hoilette, who totaled 13 TFLs and nine sacks in 2025. Isaiah Johnson and Leroy Jackson are additional names to watch along the defensive line who can help UNC.

Can North Carolina ride the defensive coattails of Abou Jaoude to a successful 2026?

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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC’s top pass-rusher nominated for prestigious defensive award