The 2025 UNC basketball recruiting class remains firmly among the nation’s best.

After not landing a top-15 class in his first three seasons, head coach Hubert Davis has now secured back-to-back top-10 finishes on the trail.

According to the final 247Sports rankings released this week, North Carolina’s trio of 2025 signees places the Tar Heels at No. 8 nationally, matching the ranking of last year’s three-man group.

This time around, however, the class features just one five-star: Caleb Wilson, a standout forward from Holy Innocents Episcopal School (Ga.), who moved up to No. 8 overall in the latest update.

The other two signees, Gonzaga College High School (D.C.) guard Derek Dixon and Davidson Day School (N.C.) guard Isaiah Denis, remain high-level four-star prospects. Dixon rose to No. 45 overall, while Denis dropped slightly to No. 52.

UNC Basketball Loses Game Against NC State Under New Basketball Schedule

The ACC’s new 18-game conference schedule marks the end of yet another long-standing tradition

On Wednesday, the league confirmed what had already leaked—starting next season, ACC teams will play 18 conference games instead of 20. This change allows schools to schedule two additional non-conference matchups, ideally giving top-tier programs a chance to add another high-profile opponent that could help boost their NCAA Tournament résumés in March.

However, the final structure differs slightly from what was originally expected. Rather than mirroring the current women’s model, the ACC will stick with one permanent home-and-home opponent, rotate one additional home-and-home series, and leave one conference foe off the schedule entirely each season.

UNC’s rotating home-and-home partner hasn’t been announced—Pittsburgh is an unlikely repeat from last year—but one thing is certain: the Tar Heels will continue to face Duke twice annually. No surprise there. Duke-UNC remains the ACC’s top television product, a cash cow the league wouldn’t dare jeopardize. It’s the rivalry that launched ESPN2, after all.

But the casualty here is another Triangle showdown—Carolina’s yearly home-and-home with NC State is now gone.

It’s the latest in a long line of ACC traditions that have fallen by the wayside. The round-robin is long gone. The ACC Tournament no longer includes all teams. Regional broadcasts are a thing of the past. Games are harder to find, rivalries have faded, and the conference’s identity has shifted toward size, not history.

This one stings more than most. The UNC–NC State home-and-home was a ritual. Regardless of records, it was must-watch basketball. Fans from both sides showed up loud and proud, and sweeping the season series always meant something extra. It gave the ACC a local flavor that’s now nearly extinct.

Ironically, NC State helped write the script for its own loss. It was the Wolfpack’s vote that pushed through the 2023 expansion to 18 teams, spurred by fears of legal defections and financial collapse. In trying to save the conference, they helped create a version of it that could eliminate one of their most treasured games.

Now, with an 18-team league, each program only gets one guaranteed annual home-and-home. For Carolina, that was always going to be Duke. And that could mean, depending on rotation, that the Heels and Wolfpack might not face off at all in some years.

We’ll soon find out how the ACC decides to treat UNC and NC State in the new format. Will they toss the rivalry a lifeline for one more season? Let it fade into a once-a-year event? Or cut it altogether for a cycle? We’ll also get a better idea of how Carolina will fill its two new non-conference slots.

But for now, it’s official: one more piece of ACC basketball history has been chipped away.

BREAKING: UNC Stuns Rivals, Lands Nation’s Top Big Man! Five-Star Freshman Picks Tar Heels Over Kentucky, Bama, and Michigan State

NEWS ALERT: UNC Just Stole the Nation’s Top Big Man from Kentucky, Bama & Michigan State – Five-Star Phenom Commits to Tar Heels!

In a recruiting shocker that’s sending shockwaves through the college basketball world, North Carolina has landed one of the biggest prizes of the 2025 class — a dominant five-star forward, [Player’s Name], who just spurned powerhouse programs Kentucky, Alabama, and Michigan State to suit up in Tar Heel blue.

At 6’9”, [Player’s Name] is an elite, true freshman prospect with freakish athleticism, elite shot-blocking skills, and a high basketball IQ. He’s ranked among the top players in the country, and now he’s heading to Chapel Hill to join Hubert Davis’ rising juggernaut.

The recruitment battle was intense. Nate Oats’ up-tempo system at Alabama, Tom Izzo’s legendary development pipeline at Michigan State, and John Calipari’s NBA factory at Kentucky were all in hot pursuit. However, in the end, the legacy, tradition, and vision at UNC sealed the deal.

This is a massive win for Davis and the Tar Heels, who are stacking talent and aiming for another national title run. [Player’s Name] adds star power and instant impact to a team already surging back into college basketball’s elite.

Fans are already buzzing — and for good reason. This kid can run the floor, finish above the rim, protect the paint, and stretch the defense. He’s built for UNC’s high-paced style, and he’s the kind of player who can lead a deep March Madness run.

The message is clear: Carolina is BACK — and the rest of college basketball better take notice.

The UNC basketball team wins an in-conference transfer.

UNC Basketball Adds Experienced Guard from Virginia Tech

The UNC basketball staff has secured a commitment from a guard who made a notable leap in his sophomore season at Virginia Tech.

As of Friday, Jaydon Young is officially a Tar Heel. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound Goldsboro, N.C., native brings valuable ACC experience with him to Chapel Hill.

Coming out of Greensboro Day School in 2023 as a three-star recruit, Young saw limited action as a freshman, averaging just 1.8 points in 8.5 minutes over 26 games off the Hokies’ bench. However, he broke through during his second year, becoming a key contributor. Young played in all 32 games last season, earning 10 starts, and averaged 8.1 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game — although he struggled with efficiency, shooting 34.7 percent from the field and 29.6 percent from three-point range. Virginia Tech finished the season with a 13-19 record.

In the current transfer portal rankings from 247Sports, the 20-year-old Young sits at No. 354 overall and No. 84 among shooting guards.

With Young’s commitment, UNC’s transfer class for 2025 — now five players deep — is ranked No. 16 nationally and No. 2 in the ACC, trailing only Louisville’s group.

New UNC Basketball Pro Drake Powell Sends Heartfelt Message to Tar Heel Nation After Declaring for NBA Draft

New UNC Basketball Pro Drake Powell Sends Heartfelt Message to Tar Heel Nation After Declaring for NBA Draft

Another Tar Heel is chasing his dreams.

Following a solid freshman season in Chapel Hill, Drake Powell officially announced on Wednesday that he will forego his remaining college eligibility and declare for the 2025 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-6, 195-pound forward from Pittsboro, N.C., leaves the UNC basketball program after averaging 7.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, starting in more than half of the Tar Heels’ 37 contests during the 2025-26 campaign.

In a heartfelt message posted on social media, Powell thanked the North Carolina fanbase, his teammates, and the coaching staff for an unforgettable year wearing the Carolina Blue.

“Thank you for embracing and supporting me through the highs and lows of the past season,” Powell wrote. “I have learned so much both on and off the court. I was born and bred a Tar Heel, and to have the opportunity to put on that uniform, run through that tunnel, and compete for the university that I love is a feeling that is unmatched, and I’ll never take that for granted.”

Powell also reflected on the special bond he formed with his teammates, calling them “brothers” and vowing to cherish the memories they created during his time in Chapel Hill.

“To my teammates and brothers, I just want to say thank you for all the amazing memories we’ve made together during our journey. I’ll hold onto these moments forever.”

Ultimately, Powell made it clear that his decision to turn pro was driven by his lifelong dream to compete at the highest level:

“Competing at the highest level has always been the ultimate goal. This decision was nowhere near easy, but with the support and guidance of my family and coaches, I will be entering my name into the 2025 NBA Draft.”

A Bright Future Ahead

According to the latest mock draft from NBA Draft On SI, Powell is currently projected as a second-round pick, slotted to be selected No. 46 overall by the Orlando Magic. If that projection holds, he could join former Tar Heel standout Cole Anthony, creating a new UNC connection in the NBA.

Known for his defensive instincts, smooth mid-range game, and non-stop motor, Powell showcased flashes of star potential during his lone year with the Tar Heels. Scouts have praised his versatility and work ethic — two traits that could help him carve out a successful career at the next level.

UNC’s Growing NBA Pipeline

With Powell’s decision, UNC continues its strong tradition of developing NBA talent under head coach Hubert Davis. While Tar Heel fans will undoubtedly miss Powell’s presence both on and off the court, many will be rooting for him to thrive as he takes the next big step in his basketball journey.

As the 2025 NBA Draft draws closer, all eyes will be on Powell as he looks to make his childhood dream a reality — one that began on the hardwoods of North Carolina and will now continue on basketball’s biggest stage.

Best of luck, Drake. Once a Tar Heel, always a Tar Heel.