In some cases, the best moves you could make focus around keeping the guys you already have in place.
This offseason has featured a ton of movement (both incoming and outgoing) for the UNC football program. While the roster will look different for the 2026 season, Bill Belichick and the Tar Heels had a few guys they knew they couldn't lose this offseason, one of them being breakout star Melkart Abou Jaoude.
North Carolina made sure that their star pass rusher was going to stay in Chapel Hill for the 2026 season.
Melkart Abou Jaoude re-signs with the UNC football program
On social media, the UNC football program announced on Tuesday morning that Abou Jaoude has re-signed for the 2026 season. Coming off a breakout season in his first year on campus, the Newton, New Jersey native is aiming to build upon his recent success.
Melkart Abou Jaoude has re-signed with the North Carolina Tar Heels.@Melkartaj ✍️ pic.twitter.com/bT9wHQT5U9
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) January 6, 2026
The steal of last year's transfer portal class
After starting his college football career at Delaware, no one really knew what to expect when it came to Abou Jaoude's addition to the UNC football program's roster.
Little did we know at the time, Abou Jaoude would become an absolute force on the Tar Heels' defensive line.
Earning second-team All-ACC honors, Abou Jaoude finished his first season as a Tar Heel with 47 tackles and 10.5 sacks. He was a consistent presence in the backfield, causing havoc for opposing offenses.
While the 2025 season wasn't a fond one for the UNC football program, Abou Jaoude certainly was a pleasant surprise, serving as one of the bright spots.
What it means for UNC
This is significant news for the UNC football program as they are currently working to re-shape its defensive unit. Another season in Steve Belichick's system should bode well for Abou Jaoude, who will likely rise up NFL Draft boards if he can duplicate (or even surpass) his production from last season.