Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Andrew Simpson across Football.
The University of North Carolina confronts a pivotal challenge as it rebuilds a linebacker unit that lost key contributors from last season’s defense, relying on a mix of returning players, transfers, and freshmen to fill the void.
A phone call from six‑time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick at a Florida convenience store set off a chain of events that brought linebacker Derek McDonald to the University of North Carolina, where he will vie for a starting role in 2026.
North Carolina’s defensive end Melkart Abou Jaoude has earned a spot on the Bronco Nagurski Award preseason watch list, highlighting a breakout 2025 campaign that featured 12 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. His resurgence, bolstered by transfers such as Donovan Hoilette and the emergence of players like Isaiah Johnson, positions the Tar Heels for a stronger 2026.
The North Carolina Tar Heels will face TCU on August 29 in Dublin, kicking off a season marked by a massive influx of newcomers and the return of ACC sacks leader Melkart Abou Jaoude under coach Bill Belichick.
Coach Bill Belichick has just 30 days to sort through a roster of 60 new faces, including 40 freshmen, before the Tar Heels open the 2026 season against Texas Christian University in Dublin.