Heel Tough Blog: Tar Heels Retain Top 2025 Pass Rusher

University of North Carolina

While the Tatr Heels continue to add to the roster for next season via the transfer portal, they are also working to retain key players from last year’s roster, and today they secured the return of pass rusher, Melkart Abou-Jaoude, who enjoyed a stellar 2025 campaign, after transferring in last year. 

He totaled 47 total tackles last year, including 12 tackles for loss, along with 10.5 sacks, which led the ACC, on his way to earning conference honors. After securing the return of running back Demon June, Abou-Jaoude was one player UNC fans were keeping an eye on with hopes of him returning for 2026; now they’ll turn their attention to wide receiver Jordan Shipp. 

Carolina continues to add to the defensive side of the football for next year, but having their top pass rusher back will make life easier for Stephen Belichick when putting together game plans for opponents.