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X-Man Rises: UNC Lineman Dominates ACC
15 Oct
Summary
- Xavier Lewis leads the ACC in tackles for loss and sacks.
- He was named to the Lombardi Award Midseason Watch List.
- Lewis earned ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week twice.
Sophomore Xavier Lewis has emerged as a dominant force on North Carolina's defensive line, earning the nickname "X-Man." He has rapidly become an impact starter for the Tar Heels. Through six weeks of the 2026 season, Lewis leads the ACC with 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, positioning him among national leaders in these categories. His exceptional play has not gone unnoticed, as he was recently added to the Lombardi Award Midseason Watch List, an honor bestowed upon college football's premier linemen.
Lewis's stellar performance was crucial in UNC's upset victory over a ranked Pitt squad, where he recorded a career-high 12 tackles, a tackle for loss, and half a sack. This earned him ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors, a recognition he also received after the season-opening win against TCU in Ireland. Alongside established players like Melkart Abou-Jaoude, Lewis contributes to North Carolina's dangerous pass-rush unit that significantly impacts game outcomes.
