The guys who will be called upon to lead the 2026 UNC football program have officially been revealed.
Just prior to heading to Ireland for the season opener against TCU on Saturday, North Carolina announced its captains for this year's squad.
It's safe to say no one will be shocked by the choices.
UNC reveals its captains for the 2026 college football season
In total, North Carolina announced seven captains for the upcoming campaign. Three of those leaders play on the offensive side of the football while the other four are set to help spearhead the defensive attack.
Your 2026 team captains! pic.twitter.com/cTP1vVyDsz
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) August 24, 2026
Offensively, two key returning skill players are tasked with paving the way. Benjamin Hall, a veteran running back and Jordan Shipp, the team's leading receiver from a season ago who many refer to as "Mr. Carolina," are those guys, while offensive lineman Christo Kelly, who was sidelined last season, will anchor the offensive line.
The team's defensive captains are mostly returning players from last season's team. Defensive back Kaleb Cost has been around the longest, having been around the program since 2023. His senior season is one he hopes to make the most of and has been around Chapel Hill for quite some time to know just how things are supposed to operate.
Quarterbacks fear this next duo, but their teammates sure respect them.
Isaiah Johnson and Melkart Abou Jaoude, who both transferred to UNC prior to the 2025 season, came in and immediately made an impact for the Tar Heels. Both defensive lineman are poised to not only be even better on the field this upcoming season, but have taken on leadership roles to help pave the way for the defensive unit.
The lone newcomer to earn a captain's title is Syracuse transfer linebacker Derek McDonald. Heading into his senior season, the Tar Heels believe he can be that guy to anchor the middle of the defense, as his experience and knowledge should help mold the guys who join him on the depth chart.
While a lot of the roster features uncertainty, given the amount of newcomers it possesses, the captains for this year's squad remind us all that there is hope that this season will be better than the one we witnessed a season ago. Having experienced that rough year, these guys (with the exception of McDonald, who elected to become part of the solution at UNC), have a sour taste in their mouths leading up to the new season and aim to put UNC football back on the map as quickly as possible.
The Tar Heels open up the 2026 season in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday, August 29. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:00 PM EST.
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