University of North Carolina Athletics
Lewis Tabbed To AP Midseason All-America First Team
October 15, 2026 | Football
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – For the second consecutive day, North Carolina's Xavier Lewis has received a midseason honor, as he was named to the Associated Press Midseason All-America First Team on Thursday.
Lewis was one of two interior defensive linemen selected to the AP Midseason All-America First Team. The honor adds to a breakout campaign for the Rolesville, North Carolina, native, who has emerged as one of the nation's top defensive linemen.
On Wednesday, Lewis was named to the Lombardi Award Midseason Watch List, which recognizes the nation's top college football linemen and linebackers.
Lewis has recorded 9.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks this season. His 1.90 tackles for loss per game rank second nationally and lead the ACC, while his 1.30 sacks per game rank fourth nationally and best in the conference.
He delivered a standout performance in Carolina's 21-17 road victory over No. 25 Pitt on Oct. 10, recording a career-high 11 tackles and adding half a sack. The performance earned ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors for the second time this season on Monday.
Lewis has tallied 28 tackles this season with 14 solo stops and 14 assisted tackles.
The Associated Press Midseason All-America teams are selected by a panel of media members who vote in the AP Top 25 poll each week.
Lewis was one of two interior defensive linemen selected to the AP Midseason All-America First Team. The honor adds to a breakout campaign for the Rolesville, North Carolina, native, who has emerged as one of the nation's top defensive linemen.
On Wednesday, Lewis was named to the Lombardi Award Midseason Watch List, which recognizes the nation's top college football linemen and linebackers.
Lewis has recorded 9.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks this season. His 1.90 tackles for loss per game rank second nationally and lead the ACC, while his 1.30 sacks per game rank fourth nationally and best in the conference.
He delivered a standout performance in Carolina's 21-17 road victory over No. 25 Pitt on Oct. 10, recording a career-high 11 tackles and adding half a sack. The performance earned ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors for the second time this season on Monday.
Lewis has tallied 28 tackles this season with 14 solo stops and 14 assisted tackles.
The Associated Press Midseason All-America teams are selected by a panel of media members who vote in the AP Top 25 poll each week.
Players Mentioned
Defensive Line
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