UNC Basketball Cracks AP Top 25 in Preseason Poll, Signaling Strong Return
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — North Carolina basketball is back in the national conversation.
The Tar Heels have landed a spot in the Associated Press Top 25 preseason poll, coming in at No. 19, signaling high expectations for the upcoming season under head coach Hubert Davis. After an up-and-down 2024–25 campaign that saw the team miss the NCAA Tournament, UNC is poised for a rebound thanks to a strong returning core and key new additions.
Leading the charge will be veteran guard RJ Davis, who elected to return for his fifth season. Davis, a preseason All-American candidate, is expected to be the heart and soul of the team. He’ll be joined by rising sophomore wing Elliot Cadeau and sharpshooter Seth Trimble, both of whom showed flashes of brilliance last season.
UNC also welcomes a top-10 recruiting class and several high-profile transfers, adding depth and versatility on both ends of the court.
“We’re excited, but rankings don’t win games,” Coach Davis said. “We’ve put in the work this offseason, and now it’s time to show it.”
This is the Tar Heels’ first preseason AP ranking since 2022, when they entered the year as the No. 1 team but failed to make the NCAA Tournament. This time, expectations are more measured—but still hopeful.
The Tar Heels open their season on November 4 at home against UNC Wilmington. With renewed energy, experienced leadership, and national attention, North Carolina looks ready to restore its proud basketball tradition.
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