Based on what we know about the UNC basketball program's 2026-2027 schedule, the matchup with Kentucky in the 2026 CBS Sports Classic ranks near the top of the list in terms of the Tar Heels' biggest games during their non-conference slate.
While the date of this year's event was previously revealed (December 19), we awaited news on tip-off times for both games at Madison Square Garden. Now, we know those details, as UNC will compete in the second game of the event.
Tip-off times for the 2026 CBS Sports Classic have been revealed
If you're planning on making the trip to New York City, you can now plan accordingly.
The time is set ⌚️
— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) May 21, 2026
🆚 Kentucky
🕝 2:30 PM ET
📍 MSG pic.twitter.com/kbTCOmDs5B
North Carolina is set to matchup with the Kentucky Wildcats in the second game of the double-header. Kansas and Ohio State are slated to tip-off at 12:00 while the Tar Heels and Wildcats will follow with a projected 2:30 start time.
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At the moment, here's what we know about the UNC basketball program's 2026-2027 schedule:
November 3 Western Carolina
November 6 Wofford
November 10 Wyoming
November 13 Georgia
November 20 Marshall
November 27 West Virginia (Dickie V Classic) (Charlotte)
December 12 Georgetown
December 19 Kentucky (CBS Sports Classic) (New York)
Other Confirmed Games
December (Date TBA) Butler
December (Date TBA) The Citadel
Bold- Home
Italics- Away
The CBS Sports Classic has served as a good early-season test for the Tar Heels over the years. North Carolina has won each of its last two games in the event, defeating Ohio State in a 71-70 nail-biter last season at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Two years ago, the event was at Madison Square Garden and proved to be a successful one for UNC, as they defeated No. 18-ranked UCLA 76-74 in the 2024 version of the event.
This year's installment has a little more juice to it for North Carolina, given they've lost two consecutive games against Kentucky in the CBS Sports Classic. The latest was a four-point loss back in 2023, but the 2021 outing (which was limited to just one game due to COVID-19 protocols) saw the Tar Heels suffer a near 30-point loss to the Wildcats.
While the roster (and coaching staff) is very much different from both of those prior meetings, this group will look to earn some redemption in the latest battle between two of college basketball's premier Blue Blood programs.
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