Zayden High Expected to Rejoin UNC Basketball for 2025-26 Season
As North Carolina continues to reshape its basketball roster for the 2025-26 campaign, a familiar face is set to return to Chapel Hill. Forward Zayden High, who was dismissed from the team prior to the 2024-25 season, is expected to rejoin the Tar Heels, according to a report from Inside Carolina.
High, a former four-star prospect, played sparingly during his freshman season in 2023-24, logging appearances in 23 games and totaling 18 points and 26 rebounds. While his on-court contributions were limited, the coaching staff saw promise in his potential, size, and work ethic. His abrupt dismissal last offseason was a surprise, but his quiet return to campus this January may have marked the beginning of his journey back into the fold.
Multiple sources told Inside Carolina that High’s return is imminent, which would close the chapter on a season-long absence and open the door for a fresh start. For head coach Hubert Davis and his staff, High’s re-enrollment offers both continuity and a low-risk, potentially high-reward addition to a roster that is seeing notable change this offseason.
The Tar Heels have already dipped into the transfer portal to address their biggest needs, while also coping with the departures of key contributors. High’s return doesn’t solve those problems, but it does bolster the team’s depth in the frontcourt. His familiarity with the system and the program’s culture could be a quiet asset in a locker room that’s adjusting to new faces and shifting roles.
While it’s unlikely High will step into a starring role right away, his return speaks to UNC’s broader mission this offseason: reloading with talent, reinforcing team chemistry, and keeping the door open for growth. And for High, it’s a second chance — an opportunity to prove he belongs in Carolina blue, both on and off the court.
Time will tell what kind of impact he’ll have next season, but one thing is certain: Zayden High’s story with the Tar Heels isn’t over just yet.
Leave a Reply