University of North Carolina Athletics
October 21, 2026 | Football
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – North Carolina defensive lineman Xavier Lewis continues to collect national recognition, earning a spot on the Sporting News 2026 Midseason All-America Team on Thursday. Lewis is one of 26 players selected nationwide and one of six ACC players to earn the honor.
The recognition marks another milestone in a breakout season for the Rolesville, North Carolina, native, who was named to the Associated Press Midseason All-America First Team last week and earned a spot on the Lombardi Award Midseason Watch List.
Lewis has recorded 30 tackles this season, including 14 solo stops and 16 assisted tackles. He has 10 tackles for loss and seven sacks this season. His 1.67 tackles for loss per game rank second nationally and lead the ACC, while his 1.17 sacks per game is also second nationally and best in the conference.
Lewis logged a career-high 11 tackles, along with half a sack in Carolina's 21-17 road victory over No. 25 Pitt on Oct. 10. His efforts earned ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors for the second time this season.
In Carolina's most recent outing, a 24-20 victory at Duke, Lewis recorded four tackles, including two solo stops, and half a sack.
The Sporting News selection adds to Lewis' growing list of midseason accolades as he continues to play a key role in Carolina's defensive front.
The Tar Heels will return home for the first of back-to-back home, ACC games Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. against Syracuse on ACC Network.Â
The recognition marks another milestone in a breakout season for the Rolesville, North Carolina, native, who was named to the Associated Press Midseason All-America First Team last week and earned a spot on the Lombardi Award Midseason Watch List.
Lewis has recorded 30 tackles this season, including 14 solo stops and 16 assisted tackles. He has 10 tackles for loss and seven sacks this season. His 1.67 tackles for loss per game rank second nationally and lead the ACC, while his 1.17 sacks per game is also second nationally and best in the conference.
Lewis logged a career-high 11 tackles, along with half a sack in Carolina's 21-17 road victory over No. 25 Pitt on Oct. 10. His efforts earned ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors for the second time this season.
In Carolina's most recent outing, a 24-20 victory at Duke, Lewis recorded four tackles, including two solo stops, and half a sack.
The Sporting News selection adds to Lewis' growing list of midseason accolades as he continues to play a key role in Carolina's defensive front.
The Tar Heels will return home for the first of back-to-back home, ACC games Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. against Syracuse on ACC Network.Â
Players Mentioned
Defensive Line
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Tuesday, October 20
Tuesday, October 20