The University of North Carolina Tar Heels have made a bold statement ahead of the 2025–26 college basketball season, climbing significantly in ESPN’s newly released Preseason Top 25 rankings. Boosted by key offseason moves and a surge in national expectations, UNC now finds itself firmly positioned among the nation’s elite.
Following a strong showing in the NCAA Tournament last season and an aggressive push during the transfer portal window, the Tar Heels surged into the top tier, landing at No. 4 in the rankings — a notable jump from last year’s preseason placement.
Analysts point to several major factors fueling UNC’s rise. Head coach Hubert Davis secured commitments from two top-15 recruits, including five-star guard Jalen Monroe and dynamic forward Marcus Ridge. In addition, the Tar Heels landed Kentucky transfer Elijah Wallace, a proven scorer with postseason experience.
“We’re building something special,” Davis said during a summer media availability. “The chemistry, the leadership, and the hunger this group has — it’s different.”
Veteran guard R.J. Davis announced his return for a fifth season, giving UNC a steady hand and leadership on and off the court. With a mix of seasoned experience and explosive young talent, the Tar Heels are expected to challenge perennial powerhouses like Kansas, Duke, and UConn for national supremacy.
ESPN analysts praised UNC’s “power move” approach this offseason — blending savvy recruiting with strategic roster additions — as a sign that the program is once again poised for a championship run.
As anticipation builds in Chapel Hill, Tar Heel fans are already circling November 12th — the season opener — when UNC will take on Michigan State in a high-stakes non-conference showdown.
If early signs are any indication, the Tar Heels are not just aiming to compete — they’re planning to dominate.
