UNC Basketball Officially Unveils 2025-26 Roster: A New Era Begins in Chapel Hill
The wait is over in Chapel Hill. North Carolina basketball has officially revealed its roster for the 2025-26 season, and as expected, it’s a group that looks almost entirely different from last year. With new faces, fresh jersey numbers, and a mix of youth and veteran talent, the Tar Heels are preparing to enter one of the most fascinating chapters in recent program history.
This year’s squad features 16 players in total, a blend of five returnees, three incoming freshmen, six college transfers, and one international addition. The mix represents both continuity and change veteran leadership paired with a bold influx of talent from around the world.
The Returnees: A Core That Knows Chapel Hill
Among the five players returning, senior Seth Trimble headlines the group. Trimble has been through the ups and downs of college basketball in Chapel Hill, and now, as a senior, he’ll be tasked with anchoring the locker room and setting the tone for a squad filled with newcomers.
Joining him are Zayden High, James Brown, Elijah Davis, and John Holbrook. While none carry the star recognition of some past Tar Heels, each has valuable experience with the Carolina system. Their familiarity with head coach Hubert Davis’ style of play will be crucial as the team tries to gel quickly.
The Transfer Wave: Six New Tar Heels, Six New Numbers
The most eye-catching part of this roster release comes from the six transfer additions, all of whom bring both skill and intrigue. Alongside their introductions came jersey numbers that will soon become familiar sights in the Dean Dome:
- Kyan Evans – No. 0
- Jaydon Young – No. 4
- Jonathan Powell – No. 11
- Henri Veesaar – No. 13
- Jarin Stevenson – No. 15
- Ivan Matlekovic – No. 40
For longtime Tar Heel fans, seeing No. 4 on Jaydon Young will be an adjustment. That jersey belonged to RJ Davis, a Chapel Hill staple, for the past several years. Now, it symbolizes the changing of the guard, a passing of the torch into a new era.
The International Addition: Luka Bogavac
Perhaps the most intriguing addition of all is Luka Bogavac, the highly regarded international prospect who will wear No. 44. The number hasn’t been seen in Carolina Blue since 2017, when it was last donned by a Tar Heel of note. Bogavac, with his size, versatility, and European flair, could quickly become a fan favorite.
The Freshmen: A New Wave of Carolina Talent
Incoming freshmen will also carry heavy expectations. The headliner of the class is Caleb Wilson, one of the most talked-about recruits in the country, who will wear No. 8. Alongside him are Derek Dixon (No. 3) and Isaiah Denis (No. 5), both expected to see early minutes as the roster develops.
In addition, Evan Smith, a hard-working player promoted from last year’s JV squad, will join the varsity roster wearing No. 32. His presence is a reminder of the program’s deep-rooted culture—talent can emerge from anywhere in Chapel Hill.
A Roster Reveal That Fuels Anticipation
Every roster announcement feels like the start of a new season, but this one carries extra weight. With a major overhaul of personnel, UNC fans are left wondering how quickly the pieces can fit together.
Can Seth Trimble lead a team full of fresh faces? Will the transfers gel with the returning players? And could Luka Bogavac or Caleb Wilson be the next household name in Carolina basketball history?
What’s certain is that the 2025-26 Tar Heels won’t look or play like the team fans have grown used to. Instead, this roster signals the beginning of a new identity, one that blends tradition with transformation.
Chapel Hill is ready, the Dean Dome is waiting, and now the countdown to October has officially begun.
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