North Carolina was a shocking, last-minute addition to March Madness this year, making the 68-team field over arguably more deserving programs, such as Indiana. The Tar Heels quickly proved they belonged, dominating 2023 National Championship runner-up San Diego State in the First Four, but failed to climb out of a deep, early hole against Ole Miss in the Round of 64.
On paper, UNC is well-equipped for a much deeper run in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Lunardi has high hopes for North Carolina in his first edition of 2026 bracketology, too, tabbing the boys in Carolina Blue as the East Region’s fifth seed.
Which team is projected to face the Tar Heels in their NCAA Tournament opener? Illinois State, the reigning CBI champion which hails from the Missouri Valley Conference.
UNC head coach Hubert Davis struck out last offseason, but struck gold this year in both recruiting and the transfer portal.
North Carolina welcomed yet another talented recruiting class: Top-10, 5-star power forward Caleb Wilson, plus a 4-star combo guard duo in Derek Dixon and Isaiah Denis. The Tar Heels nabbed 7-foot center Henri Veesaar, projected starting point guard Kyan Evans, hometown kid Jarin Stevenson, Jonathan Powell and Jaydon Young in the portal.
UNC will be tested during the offseason portion of its schedule – facing St. Bonaventure and Michigan State in the Fort Myers Tip-Off, Kentucky at Rupp Arena in the ACC/SEC Challenge, then Ohio State in Atlanta for the CBS Sports Classic.
