UNC and NC State Set for Single Showdown in 2025–26 as ACC Adjusts Scheduling Model

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – Longtime in-state rivals North Carolina and NC State will face off just once in the 2025–26 season, while Duke won’t see Miami, now led by former Blue Devils assistant Jai Lucas, under the ACC’s revamped scheduling format.

The Atlantic Coast Conference unveiled the second set of home-and-away pairings on Wednesday as part of its ongoing restructuring efforts. Earlier this month, the league announced it would reduce the men’s basketball schedule from 20 games to 18, a move designed to improve overall competitiveness and bolster the conference’s NCAA Tournament standing after recent years of underperformance.

The ACC had previously committed to primary partnerships, which lock in annual home-and-home matchups—most notably preserving classic rivalries like Duke vs. UNC and Virginia vs. Virginia Tech. The newly announced secondary partnerships, however, will rotate each year. Teams will play 14 of the remaining 15 league opponents once, while skipping one ACC opponent altogether each season.

2025–26 Secondary Matchups:

• Boston College vs. Miami

• California vs. Georgia Tech

• Clemson vs. Pittsburgh

• Duke vs. Louisville

• Florida State vs. SMU

• North Carolina vs. Syracuse

• NC State vs. Virginia

• Notre Dame vs. Stanford

• Virginia Tech vs. Wake Forest

Among the most notable changes is the decision for UNC and NC State—schools separated by less than 30 miles—to meet only once, and that game will be played in Raleigh. This will mark the first season since 1919 that the Tar Heels won’t host the Wolfpack, ending a century-long streak of at least one game in Chapel Hill each year.

With rivalry traditions evolving under the new scheduling model, the ACC is clearly entering a new era—one that will test the balance between preserving history and adapting to the sport’s shifting landscape.

In the ACC hierarchy, UNC is no longer the biggest threat to Duke basketball’s success.

ACC Shake-Up Could Leave North Carolina Behind as Rivals Surge Ahead

The ACC may look dramatically different next season, and North Carolina basketball could find itself in unfamiliar territory.

For decades, Duke and UNC have been the gold standard in ACC basketball. They weren’t always guaranteed to finish first, but both programs were the measuring stick for the rest of the conference. Now, as college basketball evolves with NIL deals, the transfer portal, and rapid roster turnover, Duke has adapted and thrived, while North Carolina is struggling to keep pace.

The Tar Heels only just hired a general manager this offseason—a move many other programs made years ago. While UNC did land a big-time 5-star recruit in Caleb Wilson, the rest of the offseason has been underwhelming compared to what’s happening elsewhere in the conference.

ACC Rivals on the Rise

No program has shaken up the league more than NC State, which has made serious noise since bringing in head coach Will Wade. The Wolfpack are quickly positioning themselves as a legitimate title contender.

Louisville is also surging. After a disastrous stretch under Kenny Payne, the Cardinals made an immediate return to the NCAA Tournament in Year 1 under Pat Kelsey, signaling a potential return to national relevance.

These changes are raising serious questions: Can North Carolina still hang with the top-tier programs in the ACC?Duke is showing no signs of slipping, and if UNC doesn’t keep up, it risks being leapfrogged by rising powers like NC State and Louisville.

The Pressure is Mounting for Hubert Davis

After sneaking into the NCAA Tournament as one of the Last Four In, many believed UNC didn’t deserve a bid at all. If they had missed, it would’ve marked their second absence from the postseason in three years—a glaring red flag for a blueblood program.

Even with a recent contract extension, head coach Hubert Davis is now facing enormous pressure. He must not only return UNC to prominence, but also prove the Tar Heels can still compete with the likes of Duke, or risk watching the program fade behind its resurgent rivals.

The ACC is changing fast—and North Carolina has little time left to catch up.

UNC basketball just manages to place in the top 25 of the new, far too early rankings.

There’s Still Time: Hubert Davis Could Have One More Big Move in Store for UNC Basketball

Could Hubert Davis be saving a late surprise ahead of the 2025–26 season? That’s the hope circulating among UNC basketball fans, many of whom feel like there’s still a major addition missing from the current roster. The pressing need for help on the wing continues to be the hot topic, and with the offseason still unfolding, it’s not too late for Davis to make a splash.

While no one knows exactly how the final roster will shape up, some analysts aren’t particularly high on the Tar Heels at the moment. In its recently released way-too-early Top 25 rankings, On3 slotted North Carolina in at No. 24, just ahead of UCLA and right behind Michigan State.

UNC Barely Cracks Top 25 in Early Rankings

According to On3’s James Fletcher, the Tar Heels’ spot reflects uncertainty following a number of significant losses. Key departures like Elliot Cadeau, Drake Powell, and RJ Davis have left big shoes to fill, and the current state of the roster hasn’t exactly inspired widespread confidence.

Adding to the questions, veteran forward Ven-Allen Lubin—who initially intended to return—is now rumored to be eyeing NC State as a possible landing spot after entering the transfer portal. His final decision remains up in the air.

The Search for Wing Help

Wing depth remains the top priority, and Davis is reportedly exploring international options to address that need. Meanwhile, fans are keeping a close watch on Jamir Watkins, the former Florida State standout currently testing the NBA Draft waters. Should Watkins decide to return to college, he’d instantly become one of the top available targets—and a potential game-changer for the Tar Heels.

A Lot Still Uncertain, but Hope Remains

UNC’s current spot in the Top 25 suggests that the team has talent, but there’s skepticism about its ability to compete with the elite without a few more pieces. That said, the offseason is far from over. If Hubert Davis can land a late commitment—especially a high-impact wing—the narrative around this team could change quickly.

With time still on the clock, Davis may yet have one more move up his sleeve.

SHOCKING ESPN REPORT: Hubert Davis Donates Entire $22.2 Million to UNC Stadium — “The Carolina Pride Lives in Me Forever”

“UNC Pride Lives in Me Forever”: Hubert Davis Stuns Nation with $22.2 Million Gift to North Carolina Stadium Project

In a move that has sent shockwaves across the college sports landscape, UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis has made a monumental donation of $22.2 million to the University of North Carolina’s stadium renovation and expansion project. As first reported by ESPN, the donation is not only unprecedented in the world of college athletics coaching but also a bold testament to Davis’ deep love and lifelong loyalty to the Tar Heel program.

A Gift That Transcends the Game

“This pride in Carolina — it lives in me forever,” Davis told ESPN when discussing the gift. “What this program has given me as a player, as a coach, as a man — I felt it was time to give back in a way that would impact generations.”

The $22.2 million contribution will directly fund enhancements to North Carolina’s athletic facilities, including upgrades to the basketball infrastructure, fan experiences, and future student-athlete resources. The donation is believed to be the largest ever made by a current NCAA basketball coach to their own university.

Why This Matters

The Tar Heels have long been a cornerstone of college basketball history, with a legacy shaped by legends like Dean Smith, Roy Williams, Michael Jordan, and now, Hubert Davis. Davis’ surprise donation not only reinforces his personal commitment to the program’s future, but it also sends a clear message during a time of major change and uncertainty in college athletics.

With programs across the country fighting to keep up in the arms race of facilities, recruiting, and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness), Davis’ gesture ensures that UNC remains a competitive force — not just on the hardwood, but in building a foundation for long-term success.

More Than Just a Coach

Hubert Davis, who took over the head coaching job from Roy Williams in 2021, has repeatedly emphasized the importance of values, relationships, and building something bigger than basketball. This latest move elevates that message to another level.

“Hubert is more than just a basketball coach,” said UNC Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham. “He’s a leader, a visionary, and a man who believes in giving back. His donation is transformational, and we are deeply grateful.”

A New Era in Carolina

Davis’ bold gift comes at a pivotal moment. Following a rollercoaster few seasons — including a national title game run in 2022 and a recent offseason full of roster turnover — the UNC program is looking to regain stability and championship form. His financial and emotional investment could be the spark that redefines the next chapter of Carolina Basketball.

Reactions Pour In

The response from fans, former players, and college basketball insiders has been overwhelmingly positive. Many took to social media to praise Davis’ generosity and vision.

• “Hubert Davis just became a Carolina legend in an entirely new way.”

• “Actions speak louder than words — and Davis just shouted his commitment from the rafters.”

• “This is how you show loyalty to a program. Take notes.”

Looking Ahead

With this historic gift, Hubert Davis has not only cemented his place in Tar Heel history — he’s also laid the groundwork for a future that’s brimming with possibility. The Tar Heels’ physical and cultural foundation is being rebuilt with purpose, and Davis is at the center of it all.

As Davis simply put it: “This is home. And I’ll always fight for home.”