Just recently, news came in that North Carolina and NC State are working on a non-conference game for next season. It was a bit of a surprise, but in a good way. Let's make one thing clear here. UNC fans don't like the Wolfpack, and things are not going to be changing there in the near future.
Caleb Wilson doubles down on his Michael Jordan goals with iconic photo in Chicago
However, the two sides had played home-and-home contests on the hardwood for over 100 years, but in 2025-26, there was only one showdown in Raleigh due to the updated ACC schedule. Fans weren't happy about that switch then, and they are surely still not happy about things now.
This new non-conference matchup for 2026-27 won't be played in Raleigh or Chapel Hill, with things scheduled to take place in nearby Greensboro in December. On one hand, it sucks it won't be on a college campus, but making sure these teams face off twice in the same campaign is always going to be the right call. It's also a reminder that history just can't be wiped away in the blink of an eye.
BREAKING: NC State is set to play UNC at Greensboro Coliseum in a non-conference matchup during the 2026-27 season.
— Cory Smith (@RCorySmith) June 25, 2026
The contract details aren't finalized, but @PackPower247 sources noted the game is set for Dec. 15, following the ACC/SEC Challenge.
✍️: https://t.co/OIFndfbv4z pic.twitter.com/CnxOJ93zKv
With this latest development, it adds relief for the UNC and NC State faithful, as it's no question a step in the right direction.
UNC basketball and NC State playing twice next season is a relief for both fanbases
With the ACC shifting things to an 18-game conference schedule from 20, it opened the door for the disappointing change to the Tar Heels' rivalry with the Wolfpack. Last season just felt so incredibly weird, with Will Wade and his players not making the trip to the Dean Dome.
Carolina traveled for a road game at NC State, but Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar were both injured for that battle, leading to an 82-58 defeat. NC State fans were quick to bash UNC, while players were quick to sneak in some jabs too. It was infuriating, and things were only made worse with no shot at revenge.
Come next season, the Wolfpack are headed to Chapel Hill, but this new meeting in Greensboro gives the Tar Heels a chance to go 2-0 vs. their hated in-state rivals. A lot has changed for the Wolfpack since that win over UNC in February, as Wade bolted for LSU. Justin Gainey has since taken over as head coach. Hubert Davis is also gone, with Michael Malone running the show for the Heels now.
The projected starting five for UNC next season will be Terrence Brown, Matt Able, Neoklis Avdalas, Jarin Stevenson and Alexandros Samodurov, which will be totally different to what we saw last year. The potential is there for this group to make a ton of noise, of course including (hopefully) taking down the Wolfpack twice.
According to WRAL News, the non-conference tilt between these two teams is expected to take place on Dec. 15. While it won't have the same allure as a heated ACC matchup, it will still be great to see these two sides work to land proverbial haymakers on one another. And moving forward, there's simply no reason they shouldn't continue to dance twice a year.
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