Our countdown of UNC basketball’s 2025–2026 roster continues with a closer look at Caleb Wilson — a five-star freshman whose arrival in Chapel Hill has generated enormous excitement and equally high expectations.
When it comes to basketball, Wilson seems to have it all.
Size? Check.
Athleticism? Check.
Basketball IQ? Check.
Shooting touch, defensive instincts, and playmaking ability? Check, check, and check.
Simply put, Wilson brings a complete package to North Carolina — the kind of versatile, high-upside player every program dreams of landing. It’s no surprise he was one of the most heavily recruited prospects in the 2025 class. Luckily for the Tar Heels, his journey led him to Chapel Hill, where he’s ready to make his mark from the very start of his college career.
Before arriving at UNC, Wilson dominated at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School in Georgia. His senior year was one for the record books: he earned Gatorade Player of the Year honors for the state, was named a Naismith Trophy semifinalist, and guided his team to a 27–4 record and a private school state championship. His excellence earned him spots in both the McDonald’s All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic, where he shined with 28 points and 6 rebounds to lead Team Air to victory.
Statistically, Wilson was a monster in high school. As a senior, he averaged 21.7 points, 11.1 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 3.6 blocks, and 2.1 steals per game, following another double-double season as a junior. By the end of his prep career, he had racked up 1,836 points and 1,168 rebounds — numbers that speak to both consistency and dominance.
Heading into the 2025–26 season, Wilson will be one of the most-watched freshmen in the country. The spotlight will be bright, but everything about his game suggests he’s ready for it. Expect him to log heavy minutes right away as a central piece of the Tar Heels’ rotation. His blend of length, skill, and basketball IQ makes him a matchup nightmare — capable of attacking off the dribble, creating for teammates, and even initiating the offense at times in a “point forward” role.
On defense, Wilson prides himself on versatility. He has the size to protect the rim and the quickness to switch onto guards, making him one of the most complete two-way freshmen in the nation. His ability to guard multiple positions and anchor the defense could make him one of North Carolina’s most valuable assets this season.
There’s little doubt that UNC’s success in 2025–26 will depend heavily on the performance of its newcomers — and Wilson is at the heart of that equation. He might just be the most talented player on the roster, with the kind of all-around game that translates immediately to the college level.
Bold prediction: Caleb Wilson’s time in Chapel Hill won’t last long. While he may not take the same route as Ian Jackson, he’s expected to follow in the footsteps of players like Drake Powell — a one-and-done star destined for the NBA. If he lives up to expectations, don’t be surprised to hear his name called among the top seven picks in the 2026 NBA Draft.
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