The UNC football team has a defense full of solid returners and breakout stars, perhaps none more noticeable than sophomore defensive lineman Xavier Lewis.
A sophomore from Raleigh, Lewis is quickly ascending to become one of the college game's top stars. Lewis has 9.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, both which rank Top-6 nationally, through North Carolina's (3-2, 1-1 ACC) first five games.
Lewis previously earned himself a spot on the Lombardi Award Midseason Watch List, but his weekly recognition doesn't stop there. On Thursday, Lewis added an Associated Press Midseason All-America First Team honor.
The Tar Heels upset then-25th-ranked Pitt last weekend, 21-17, delivering head coach Bill Belichick the first ranked win of his collegiate career. Lewis had his handprints all over this victory, setting a career-high with 11 total tackles (two solo), while adding a TFL and half-a-sack. Lewis also played a major role in locking the Panther (5-1, 2-1 ACC) offense down late, helping force a punt and three consecutive turnover-on-downs.
Xavier Lewis has been named to the Associated Press Midseason All-America First Team! pic.twitter.com/9wO75LxFr1
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) October 15, 2026
UNC entered its 2026 campaign with Melkart Abou-Jaoude, the ACC's reigning sack leader, a title which Lewis is well on track to take over. Returners Leroy Jackson and Isaiah Johnson give North Carolina a formidable unit up front, one which opponents consistently struggle with blocking.
The Tar Heels are preparing for a Saturday afternoon trip up to Durham, where they'll face archival Duke for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff. The Blue Devils (4-1, 1-1 ACC), coming off a last minute, 28-25 loss at Georgia Tech last weekend, only allowed one sack through their first five games.
Even if Lewis isn't able to generate any takedowns this coming weekend, will he continue finding ways to disrupt the Duke offense? Tune in Saturday afternoon and find out.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC star defensive lineman tabbed Midseason All-America First Team