College basketball season is right around the corner!
Nearing 70 days until the season opener for the Michael Malone-led Tar Heels, the UNC basketball program revealed its non-conference schedule for the 2026-2027 campaign. While this year's non-conference slate isn't as eye-popping as in years past, there are plenty of quality games for the Tar Heels that will give us early indications as to just how good this squad can be come March.
Now, without further adieu, your 2026-2027 non-conference schedule reveal!
UNC basketball reveals its 2026-2027 non-conference schedule
The Tar Heels will play a total of 14 non-conference games this upcoming season, 9 of which will be held at the Dean Smith Center. Early on, fans will get to see a lot of the Tar Heels, given that the first seven games on the schedule (from November 2 to November 23) will be held in Chapel Hill.
Non-conference schedule is set 🗓️ pic.twitter.com/2IHQK7XHnC
— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) August 20, 2026
Before the regular season get's underway, UNC will play a trio of preseason exhibition games. They will head to Greensboro, North Carolina for a meeting with the USC Trojans on October 19, and will travel to Indiana to take on the Hoosiers 9 days later. A meeting with Charlotte in Chapel Hill on October 27 will be the final preseason test for the Tar Heels, as the regular season will follow just five days later.
Preseason Games
Oct 9 vs. Southern California in Greensboro, N.C.
Oct 18 vs. Indiana in Indianapolis, Ind.
Oct 27 vs. Charlotte
The official start of the Michael Malone era begins on November 2 when Western Carolina rolls into town. This will kick-off a six-game homestand in Chapel Hill, as UNC won't leave the state of North Carolina until early mid-December.
Regular-Season Games
Nov 2 vs. Western Carolina
Nov 6 vs. Wofford
Nov 10 vs. Wyoming
Nov 13 vs. Georgia
Nov 20 vs. Marshall
Nov 23 vs. Monmouth
Nov 27 vs. West Virginia in Charlotte (Dick Vitale Invitational)
Dec 1 vs. Arkansas (ACC-SEC Challenge)
Dec 6 vs. Butler
Dec 12 at Georgetown
Dec 15 vs. NC State in Greensboro, N.C. (Tobacco Road Classic presented by Old Dominion Freight Line)
Dec 19 vs. Kentucky in New York City (CBS Sports Classic)
Dec 21 vs. The Citadel
Jan. 30 vs. Illinois in Nashville, Tenn. (Nashville Hoops Showdown)
Some notable games on the schedule include the Dick Vitale Invitation (vs. West Virginia), the annual ACC-SEC Challenge (vs. the John Calipari-led Arkansas Razorbacks), a non-conference tilt with NC State in Greensboro, along with the CBS Sports Classic against the Kentucky Wildcats on December 19.
An interesting new look comes on January 30 when the Tar Heels take on Illinois as part of the Nashville Hoops Showcase). In recent memory, UNC hasn't played many (if any) non-conference games once the conference schedule fully got underway, as it will be interesting to see when the first of two Duke matchups will fall given this schedule tidbit.
We're one step closer to Carolina basketball. The world is anxiously awaiting the start of the Malone era in Chapel Hill, as all eyes will be on the Tar Heels as they embark on this new journey during the upcoming 2026-2027 season.
Set your calendars accordingly so you don't miss any Carolina basketball this season!
Add us as a preferred source on Google