University of North Carolina Athletics
Friday, October 9
Greensboro, N.C.
7 p.m.
North Carolina
vs
Southern California (Preseason)
Men's Basketball To Open Preseason Vs. USC In Greensboro Friday Night
October 8, 2026 | Men's Basketball
The University of North Carolina men's basketball team will play what is believed to be its earliest preseason game in history when it meets Southern California on Friday at 7 p.m. in Greensboro. The Tar Heels and Trojans will tipoff just after 7 p.m. at First Horizon Coliseum (formerly known as the Greensboro Coliseum).
The game, which will be new head coach MIchael Malone's first appearance on the sideline in a contest for Carolina, will air live on ACC Network.
Following Friday's game, UNC will play two more exhibition games, including October 18 against Indiana in Indianapolis and at home in the Smith Center on October 27 against Charlotte.
The regular season opener is slated for November 2 against Western Carolina in Chapel Hill.
The Tar Heels return one starter in senior forward Jarin Stevenson and five lettermen from last year's squad, which went 24-9 and posted their 66th 20-win season, the second-highest total in college basketball history. Eleven newcomers have joined the squad for 2026-27. Carolina tied for fourth place in the Atlantic Coast Conference with a 12-6 league record. UNC earned its 55th NCAA Tournament bid (second-most all-time) and posted a perfect, 18-0 record at home.
Get more information about purchasing tickets for 2026-27 games in the Smith Center here.
Stay up to date on the latest Tar Heel men's basketball news on X at @UNC_Basketball and @UNCMBBstats and on Instagram at UNC_Basketball.
The game, which will be new head coach MIchael Malone's first appearance on the sideline in a contest for Carolina, will air live on ACC Network.
Following Friday's game, UNC will play two more exhibition games, including October 18 against Indiana in Indianapolis and at home in the Smith Center on October 27 against Charlotte.
The regular season opener is slated for November 2 against Western Carolina in Chapel Hill.
The Tar Heels return one starter in senior forward Jarin Stevenson and five lettermen from last year's squad, which went 24-9 and posted their 66th 20-win season, the second-highest total in college basketball history. Eleven newcomers have joined the squad for 2026-27. Carolina tied for fourth place in the Atlantic Coast Conference with a 12-6 league record. UNC earned its 55th NCAA Tournament bid (second-most all-time) and posted a perfect, 18-0 record at home.
Get more information about purchasing tickets for 2026-27 games in the Smith Center here.
Stay up to date on the latest Tar Heel men's basketball news on X at @UNC_Basketball and @UNCMBBstats and on Instagram at UNC_Basketball.
Players Mentioned
F
/ Men's BasketballWednesday, October 07
Wednesday, October 07
Wednesday, October 07
Wednesday, October 07