Caleb Wilson’s early impact in Chapel Hill has been undeniable, and now the national stage is beginning to take notice. As the North Carolina Tar Heels push forward with a perfect 4-0 start to the 2025-26 season, the freshman phenom has emerged not only as a key piece for Hubert Davis but also as one of the brightest young stars in college basketball.
Wilson, along with fellow newcomer Henri Veesaar, has been instrumental in UNC’s hot start. The two have provided immediate production, energy, and versatility, quickly establishing themselves as foundational players in the Tar Heels’ offensive and defensive schemes. With both leading the team in scoring early, their presence has helped UNC find a new rhythm and identity in the post–RJ Davis era.
On Tuesday, Wilson’s impressive opening stretch earned him a major national accolade. He was named one of 50 players nationally to the 2025-26 Wooden Award Preseason Watch List, an honor presented by the Los Angeles Athletic Club. The list highlights the top players in the country who are projected to contend for the Wooden Award Most Outstanding Player and the Wooden Award All-America Team—two of the most prestigious recognitions in the sport.
Each year, the Wooden Award committee—comprised of respected college basketball evaluators, analysts, and former coaches—assembles the list based on performance, potential, and overall impact on the court. Being selected as a freshman places Wilson among elite company, signaling how quickly he has made his presence felt at the college level.
Wilson stands out this year as the lone Tar Heel to appear on the preseason watch list. That distinction speaks volumes about his rising profile and the expectations surrounding him, even just a few weeks into his college career. UNC has a strong history of producing Wooden Award contenders, and Wilson’s inclusion suggests he may be next in the line of Tar Heel greats.
Through his first four games, Wilson has averaged an eye-catching 20 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, showcasing his ability to score from multiple levels, rebound through traffic, and dictate the pace of play. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ has made him one of the most difficult matchups in the ACC, despite being one of the youngest players on the court.
The Wooden Award Watch List, however, is just the beginning. As the season progresses, the committee will continue to reevaluate players, adding new names and narrowing the field. The list will eventually shrink to semifinalists and then finalists before the national winner is announced during the Final Four.
Importantly, players who are not included initially can still play themselves into contention, meaning the landscape can shift dramatically. But Wilson starting the year on the list places him among the early favorites and underscores the level of trust national evaluators already have in his potential.
If Wilson continues at his current pace—and if UNC maintains its strong momentum—he could be a legitimate candidate for the Wooden Award by season’s end. For now, his recognition reflects both his individual brilliance and the resurgence of a Tar Heel squad that appears ready to reassert itself among college basketball’s elite.
