UNC vs. NC State Rivalry Heats Up After Ven-Allen Lubin’s Shocking Transfer Twist

The already intense rivalry between UNC and NC State just got even spicier.

Hubert Davis and the 2025–26 Tar Heels will only face the Wolfpack once in ACC play next season, with that showdown set to take place at NC State’s Lenovo Center. And thanks to a headline-grabbing Sunday development, that short road trip just became a lot more personal.

Ven-Allen Lubin, who spent last season with the Tar Heels after previous stops at Notre Dame and Vanderbilt, has officially announced his transfer to NC State—just weeks after telling UNC fans that his portal entry didn’t mean he was leaving Chapel Hill.

The twist? UNC guard Seth Trimble responded with a pointed Instagram post that seemed to throw some subtle shade at Lubin. The image he shared referenced the Tar Heels’ dominance over former teammate Dontrez Styles—another ex-Tar Heel who transferred to NC State last year after a stop at Georgetown.

Was Trimble sending a message to Lubin? Fans sure think so.

Lubin averaged 8.7 points and 5.5 rebounds in under 20 minutes per game during his lone season at UNC, and now he’ll suit up for first-year Wolfpack coach Will Wade. The Tar Heels may only get one crack at him next season—but you can bet it’ll be a must-watch matchup.

Class of 2026 UNC Basketball Recruiting Board

UNC Basketball Recruiting Board: Class of 2026 – Who’s on the Tar Heels’ Radar?

As the 2025–26 season approaches, the North Carolina Tar Heels are not just focused on the upcoming campaign—they’re actively shaping their future. With head coach Hubert Davis under growing pressure to return UNC to national prominence, recruiting in the Class of 2026 has taken center stage in Chapel Hill.

While it’s still early in the cycle, several top prospects have emerged as primary targets for the Tar Heels. Davis and his staff are working to secure commitments that could set the foundation for a dominant Carolina squad in the years to come. Here’s a breakdown of who’s on UNC’s recruiting board for the Class of 2026 and where things currently stand.

 Top UNC Targets – Class of 2026

1. Caleb Wilson (PF, 6’9″, Atlanta, GA – Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School)

• Ranking: Top 5 nationally

• Status: Committed to UNC

• Scouting Report: One of the most versatile bigs in the country, Wilson brings elite size, mobility, and a smooth offensive game. His commitment gave the Tar Heels a massive recruiting win early and sets the tone for the class.

2. AJ Dybantsa (SF, 6’8″, Napa, CA – Prolific Prep)

• Ranking: No. 1 overall

• Status: High interest

• Scouting Report: The most electric wing in the class, Dybantsa is an elite scorer with NBA tools. UNC has offered, but they’ll have to battle national powerhouses like Duke, Kentucky, and the G League Ignite to land him.

3. Tyran Stokes (SF/PF, 6’7″, Napa, CA – Prolific Prep)

• Ranking: Top 3

• Status: Medium interest

• Scouting Report: A combo forward who can defend multiple positions, Stokes is a modern hybrid with excellent passing vision. UNC has been in contact, but there’s more work to do in this recruitment.

4. Jordan Smith Jr. (SG, 6’3″, Washington, D.C. – St. Paul VI)

• Ranking: Top 10

• Status: Offered

• Scouting Report: An explosive scorer from the perimeter with serious athleticism, Smith could be a perfect fit in UNC’s backcourt rotation. The Tar Heels were one of the first major programs to offer, and they remain in the mix.

5. Brayden Burries (SG, 6’4″, Riverside, CA – Roosevelt HS)

• Ranking: Top 20

• Status: Active recruitment

• Scouting Report: A strong-bodied guard who plays with maturity and poise, Burries has drawn comparisons to former Tar Heel Caleb Love. Hubert Davis has made him a clear priority, and UNC is believed to be among the early favorites.

Other Names to Watch

• Max LeBlanc (PG, Canada) – A fast-rising international point guard who’s been getting attention from multiple ACC schools. UNC has scouted him but has yet to offer.

• Isaiah Dennis (C, 7’0″, FL) – A rim-protecting center with raw offensive tools. The Tar Heels are evaluating whether to add another true big to this class.

• Trey McKenney (SG/SF, MI) – A two-way wing with a college-ready frame. UNC has expressed interest, and an official visit could be on the horizon.

Class Needs and Outlook

UNC’s recruiting strategy for 2026 seems focused on versatile wings, athletic guards, and a dynamic frontcourt presence to complement their style of play. With RJ Davis and Armando Bacot’s eras officially in the rearview, the need to replenish star power and leadership is evident.

Landing Caleb Wilson was a major statement, but the Tar Heels will need to close on at least one high-level guard and another wing to keep pace with ACC rivals like Duke, Louisville, and NC State, all of whom have intensified their recruiting efforts under new regimes.

 Final Thoughts

The Class of 2026 will be pivotal for Hubert Davis’ tenure at North Carolina. With heightened expectations and the pressure of maintaining Carolina’s elite status, this recruiting cycle could define the trajectory of the program for the second half of the decade. There’s a long way to go, but if Davis and his staff can close strong, the Tar Heels might just be building something special once again in Chapel Hill.

Stay tuned for more updates as official visits, commitments, and rankings evolve over the next several months.