The University of North Carolina’s football program is looking to turn the page after a disappointing 4‑8 campaign in 2025, a season that left fans yearning for a return to relevance.
Adding to the optimism, the Tar Heels have seen three of their own earn preseason All‑ACC honors, a rare acknowledgment that underscores the belief that the roster is poised for a turnaround.
Recognizing the standouts
Among them, senior defensive end Melkart Abou‑Jaoude heads the list, having been tabbed first‑team All‑ACC and fourth‑team All‑America, a testament to his disruptive presence on the line.
His impact stems from a productive stint at Delaware, where he logged 47 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks, before joining Chapel Hill.
At the opposite end of the field, wide receiver Jordan Shipp earned third‑team All‑ACC after posting 60 receptions for 671 yards and six touchdowns, numbers that placed him at the core of the Tar Heels’ passing attack.
Defensive back Jaiden Patterson, also recognized on the fourth team, contributed 34 tackles, five pass break‑ups and an interception, rounding out a defense that hopes to build on last year’s experience.
A fresh start abroad
The season will open with a high‑profile test in Dublin, Ireland, where UNC will face TCU on August 29, 2026, a game that will set the tone for the ACC slate.
Coaches and players alike are framing the trip as more than a mere exhibition; it is an opportunity to showcase the program’s progress on a global stage.