UNC Basketball Off to Its Best Start Since 2017-18: How a 10-1 Non-Conference Surge Is Fueling Confidence Ahead of the Ohio State Showdown in Atlanta — And Why This Could Set the Tone for the Upcoming ACC Clash Against Florida State
The University of North Carolina men’s basketball team is off to a flying start in the 2025-26 season, posting a 10-1 record in non-conference play, marking their best start since the 2017-18 campaign. With each game, the Tar Heels are not only solidifying their record but also building a sense of belief and cohesion that has fans and analysts buzzing ahead of the season’s more challenging stretches.
Saturday’s matchup against Ohio State in Atlanta represents UNC’s final test against a power-conference opponent before the team transitions into ACC play, starting December 30 at home against Florida State. The game carries added weight, as it will serve as a litmus test for the Tar Heels’ ability to maintain momentum against a high-caliber team on a neutral court.
Head coach Hubert Davis has praised his squad’s growth throughout the non-conference schedule. “We’ve seen tremendous effort and focus from these guys,” Davis said. “It’s not just about the wins; it’s about how they are learning to play together, how they respond in tough moments, and how they push each other in practice and in games.”
The Tar Heels’ current surge is driven by balanced scoring, strong defensive rotations, and a roster that is quickly learning to blend experienced upperclassmen with emerging young talent. Key contributors, including returning stars and promising newcomers, have shown the ability to step up at critical moments, giving UNC an edge in close games and helping the team build confidence heading into the more grueling ACC schedule.
Offensively, UNC has excelled in ball movement, spacing, and shot selection, while defensively, the team has been aggressive in contesting shots and forcing turnovers. This balance has allowed the Tar Heels to maintain leads and close out games efficiently, despite occasional lapses against scrappy opponents.
The Ohio State matchup is particularly intriguing because it presents UNC with a contrasting style of play. The Buckeyes have shown a mix of physicality and perimeter shooting that could test UNC’s adaptability. Fans and analysts alike are watching to see how the Tar Heels adjust to the speed and intensity, knowing that lessons learned in Atlanta could translate directly into ACC play.
Momentum heading into conference play is critical, and UNC appears poised to enter the ACC slate with confidence. Florida State represents the first true ACC test, and the Tar Heels will need to carry over the energy and cohesion developed during non-conference games. How the team handles these early-season challenges could define their trajectory for the remainder of the year and potentially set the stage for a deep postseason run.
Beyond wins and losses, the most compelling story of UNC’s start this season is the team’s mentality. Players have embraced a culture of accountability and resilience, responding positively to coaching adjustments and showing consistent effort on both ends of the court. This mindset, combined with the Tar Heels’ on-court execution, has made UNC a team to watch in college basketball circles.
As the team travels to Atlanta and prepares to face Ohio State, Big Blue Nation is buzzing with anticipation. Will UNC continue to ride its wave of confidence and momentum? Can this non-conference surge serve as a foundation for a dominant ACC season? The answers will begin to unfold on Saturday, but one thing is clear: the Tar Heels are no longer just a team with potential—they are a team making a statement.
This 10-1 start has rekindled hope among fans that UNC can replicate the level of excellence seen in previous successful seasons. And if the team can navigate the challenges ahead while maintaining this rhythm, the Tar Heels could once again be a formidable force not just in the ACC but across the entire college basketball landscape.
