UNC a Legitimate 2025-26 NCAA Title Longshot

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The North Carolina Tar Heels may have exited the 2025 NCAA Tournament earlier than expected, but don’t count them out in 2025-26. In fact, there’s a strong case to be made that UNC is a legitimate national title contender — and at +5000 odds to win the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship on FanDuel, there’s real betting value to take advantage of.

UNC entered last season as a top-10 team in the AP preseason poll but stumbled late, losing in the first round of March Madness to Ole Miss. They finished sixth in the ACC with a 13-7 record and are now entering a pivotal offseason under Hubert Davis, who surprisingly kept his job following years of disappointing finishes. While roster turnover is always expected in the modern college basketball landscape, the Tar Heels are well-equipped to reload rather than rebuild.

Major Departures, But Room to Grow

The biggest departure, of course, is RJ Davis, who closed out a historic career by becoming the second-leading scorer in program history (2,725 points) behind only Tyler Hansbrough. Davis averaged 17.2 points per game last season and was the heart and soul of the Tar Heels’ offense.

In addition to Davis, Ty Claude, Jae’Lyn Withers, Elliot Cadeau, and Jalen Washington are all moving on. Highly-touted guard Ian Jackson, who showed flashes of brilliance by averaging 11.9 points and hitting 20+ points in eight games, has also entered the transfer portal after one season.

Key Additions: Freshmen & Transfers Ready to Contribute

Despite those losses, North Carolina is aggressively retooling with high-upside additions, including several standout freshmen and impact transfers.

Incoming Freshmen:

• Caleb Wilson (5-star, PF): One of the top overall players in the class, Wilson’s versatility, rebounding, and scoring will be a welcome addition to the frontcourt.
  
• Isaiah Denis (4-star, CG): A crafty combo guard who can score and facilitate, Denis brings depth and energy to the backcourt.
  
• Derek Dixon (4-star, CG): Known for his shooting and defensive intensity, Dixon gives Hubert Davis another reliable perimeter option.
  

Transfers:

• Henri Veesaar (C, from Arizona): A 7-footer with size and mobility, Veesaar brings experience and frontcourt depth that UNC needs. The native of Estonia put up 9.4 points and 5.0 rebounds in 20.8 minutes for the Wildcats last season.
  
• Jonathan Powell (SG, from West Virginia): Powell was UNC’s first portal commitment. As a freshman last season, he averaged 8.3 points and 3.1 rebounds while showing off a smooth shooting stroke and two-way potential.
  

Still Searching, Still Building

UNC is reportedly still on the hunt for a true point guard in the portal — and with the combination of elite facilities, national brand appeal, and coaching stability under Hubert Davis, the Tar Heels are well-positioned to land one. The portal remains wide open, and Carolina is expected to be one of the most aggressive programs in play.

This mix of talented freshmen, transfer experience, and an ongoing push to land more impact players sets the stage for a significant bounce-back. UNC isn’t just trying to fill holes — it’s building a team capable of competing with the best in the country.

Betting Value at +5000 on FanDuel

At +5000, North Carolina’s odds imply just a 1.96% chance of cutting down the nets in April 2026. Given the pedigree of the program, the influx of talent, and the likelihood of even more key additions before the season starts, that number feels far too low.

There’s tremendous buy-low value on the Tar Heels at this price — especially when compared to other blue bloods who often hover around +1500 to +3000 with similar or even less upside. Plus, this could result in a sweet cash-out offer if the Tar Heels take a leap forward.

If Hubert Davis and his staff can secure a reliable point guard and blend this roster effectively, North Carolina could be right back in the national spotlight next March — and bettors who grab +5000 now could be holding onto one of the best preseason tickets on the board.