University of North Carolina Athletics
October 26, 2026 | Football
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – For the second time this season, North Carolina's Derek McDonald has been named ACC Linebacker of the Week, the conference office announced Monday.Â
It marks the second consecutive week that the Tar Heels have earned ACC Linebacker of the Week, following Peyton Seelmann's honor last week.
McDonald tallied a career and game-high 16 tackles in Saturday's game against Syracuse. He recorded five tackles in the first half, eight in the second and three in overtime. McDonald had three huge stops in overtime, including a three-yard tackle for loss.Â
He graded out at 82.8, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF), his highest of the season against his former team. McDonald played 81 of the team's 89 snaps on defense.Â
This season, the Atlanta native leads the ACC in tackles with 72. His 16-tackle performance marked his fifth game of the year with 10+ tackles.
The Tar Heels will host top-ranked Miami Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. on ABC.
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It marks the second consecutive week that the Tar Heels have earned ACC Linebacker of the Week, following Peyton Seelmann's honor last week.
McDonald tallied a career and game-high 16 tackles in Saturday's game against Syracuse. He recorded five tackles in the first half, eight in the second and three in overtime. McDonald had three huge stops in overtime, including a three-yard tackle for loss.Â
He graded out at 82.8, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF), his highest of the season against his former team. McDonald played 81 of the team's 89 snaps on defense.Â
This season, the Atlanta native leads the ACC in tackles with 72. His 16-tackle performance marked his fifth game of the year with 10+ tackles.
The Tar Heels will host top-ranked Miami Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. on ABC.
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Players Mentioned
Linebacker
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Linebacker
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Monday, October 26
Monday, October 26
Monday, October 26