The road to Omaha is now complete, but the journey to a national championship is just getting started!
For the second time in three seasons, the UNC baseball program has earned a spot in the College World Series, serving as the only team in the country to accomplish that feat. It goes to show just how difficult it is to get to this point, making it even more impressive what Scott Forbes and the Tar Heels have been able to achieve.
Ahead of Friday night's College World Series opener against Ole Miss, here's everything Tar Heel fans need to know.
Everything you need to know about UNC's College World Series opener
Game 1 Opponent: Ole Miss Rebels
Head Coach: Mike Bianco
Record: 41-21 (15-15 SEC)
Projected Starters
Ole Miss: RHP Taylor Rabe
North Carolina: RHP Jason DeCaro
For Owen Hull, the journey to UNC was all about moments like this
Series History
There's not much history between these two programs, and you'd have to go way back in time to dig up the prior meetings between the two teams. Ole Miss has won each of the four meetings, all of which came during the NCAA Tournament in 1964 and 1969.
With a win, the Tar Heels can cross off another opponent off the list of teams they've never beaten prior (which likely is a very short list already!).
UNC's star shutdown reliever and ace starting pitcher earn All-American recognition
History in Omaha
-This trip marks the 13th time that the UNC baseball program will be competing in the College World Series.
-Since 2006, UNC and Florida have the most CWS berths (9 each).
-UNC has made the championship series on two occasions (2006 and 2007).
-North Carolina holds a 19-25 all-time record in Omaha, including a 5-7 record in opening games.
-Four players on this year's team played in the 2024 College World Series (the last time UNC made the trip to Omaha): Jason DeCaro, Gavin Gallaher, Matthew Matthijs and Cam Padgett.
Game Information
Date: Friday, June 12, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Location: Charles Schwab Field, Omaha, Nebraska
TV: ESPN
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