Ahead of his redshirt senior season, Abou Jaoude is expected to once again anchor the UNC football program's defensive attack. Melkart Abou Jaoude named to the Bronko Nagurski Award Watch ListThis week, the Football Writers Association of America released the 2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Award watch list. Abou Jaoude is one of 68 players to be featured on this season's preseason watch list. Preseason Recognition for Melkart 🏈 pic.twitter.com/idi2DcOag2 — Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) August 4, 2026A Newton, New Jersey native, Abou Jaoude was a breakout star for Bill Belichick's defense during the 2025 season. Unlike last season, Abou Jaoude won't be able to fly under the radar this upcoming season.