The 2026 home opener is officially here, but one of UNC's stars isn't expected to play when the Tar Heels take the field at Kenan Stadium for the first time this season on Saturday afternoon.
After suffering a hand injury in the Week 0 victory over TCU in Ireland, Melkart Abou Jaoude is not expected to play against ETSU.
UNC to be without star Melkart Abou Jaoude in their home opener
Inside Carolina was the first to report that Abou Jaoude will likely miss the home opener due to the aforementioned injury. While he did return to the game against TCU after suffering the injury, it appears that it is a concern for Bill Belichick's team moving forward.
Abou Jaoude was seen wearing a cast over the past few days, suggesting his status for this game could very well be in jeopardy. While he isn't expected to play on Saturday, the belief around the program is that he will be ready to go when UNC travels to Clemson next weekend for its ACC opener.
Abou Jaoude was a force to be reckoned with in 2025, finishing his first season on campus with 10.5 sacks in 12 games and earning second-team All-ACC honors. He made his presence felt in the season opener, recording four tackles (three solo), a sack, and a forced fumble in the Tar Heels' victory over TCU.
This has precaution written all over it. Playing against an FCS school, the Tar Heels are looking at the bigger picture here. Sure, they'd love to have Abou Jaoude out there on the field for the home opener, but they understand the risk of him making the injury worse, which could lead to even more time missed.
With conference play coming up, the risk isn't worth it.
For now, the Tar Heels will have to go with that "next man up" mentality, allowing some other players on the depth chart to earn some quality reps. Donovan Hoilette Jr., Calvin Thomas and David Jackson III could benefit the most as UNC shuffles its defensive line for this contest.
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