Flash: In the 2025 ACC preseason men’s basketball poll, North Carolina was pegged as a top-five contender, coming in third place behind Duke and Louisville. ….

In the 2025 ACC preseason men’s basketball poll, North Carolina was pegged as a top-five contender, coming in third place behind Duke and Louisville.

 

The full poll, released by the Atlantic Coast Conference, placed Duke first with 866 points and 34 first-place votes, followed by Louisville with 842 points and 15 first-place votes. North Carolina secured 741 points to claim the third spot.

NC State was fourth and Virginia rounded out the top five, with 710 and 623 points respectively.

 

UNC’s placement reflects tempered but solid expectations for the Tar Heels as they head into the 2025-26 season. Analysts noted that while UNC was ranked behind Duke and Louisville, there is scrutiny over whether they might be “overrated” in the preseason mix.

 

Roster changes and new additions were also highlighted in previews. UNC’s frontcourt was expected to take on a new look with size and versatility enhancements, including the addition of former Arizona big man Henri Veesaar, multiple 6’10” forwards, and transfers aimed at bolstering depth.

On the perimeter, shot creators and defenders were welcomed as potential contributors, with head coach Hubert Davis emphasizing the importance of defensive versatility, rebounding, and matchups.

 

Overall, UNC’s top-five ranking in the ACC poll signals respect from media and insiders, though expectations are balanced with critical assessments of how the team will perform in a competitive conference slate.