For the first time in two seasons, your North Carolina Tar Heels are playing a winning brand of football, thanks to a mix of experienced returners, portal additions, class of 2026 recruits and breakout stars.
One of UNC's most impactful players this fall is redshirt sophomore defensive back Greg Smith, who's emerging as a leader in the secondary. With 39 tackles (23 solo), a team-high three interceptions and pass breakups apiece, one forced fumble, recovery and TFL each, Smith makes his presence known all over the field.
For Smith's latest breakout performance, during North Carolina's 24-20 comeback win over archival Duke, PFF named him to its ACC Team of the Week.
Smith was a tackling machine in Durham, totaling 10 (five solo) and deflecting a game-high
two passes. Along with Peyton Seelmann, who earned ACC Linebacker of the Week honors, Smith held the Blue Devils' (4-2, 1-2 ACC) second-half offense in check during its potential, game-winning fourth quarter drive.
PFF Honors for Greg Smith 😤 pic.twitter.com/xOFSkRj4p4
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) October 20, 2026
Smith played in all 12 games during his redshirt freshman, 2025 campaign in Chapel Hill, quickly proving his future stardom potential with a 3-yard interception in the win at Charlotte. With offseason secondary departures, the Tar Heels (4-2, 2-1 ACC) called upon Smith to deliver this fall and, through six games, he's thoroughly exceeding expectations.
UNC returns home this weekend to host Syracuse, with Smith primed for a big game against the ACC's last-place team. Orange (2-4, 0-2 ACC) quarterbacks combined to throw nine interceptions, which Smith has a third of, through their first six games.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Defensive Back named to PFF's Team of the Week
