The latest chapter of the greatest rivalry in college basketball comes to fruition on Saturday afternoon in Chapel Hill. Once again, both Duke and North Carolina are nationally ranked as they matchup in an important game for the ACC standings. Which one of these teams will have the upper hand in the first meeting this season?
Very few things have grown wrong for Duke (21-1) as this team is off to an incredible start. The only loss was by a single point against a very strong Texas Tech team in December, as the Blue Devils have sprinted to a 10-0 start in ACC play. There has been no shortage of impressive showings for this team, who has beaten Florida, Kansas, Michigan State, and has already swept Louisville decisively.
There hasn’t quite been that same level of success at North Carolina (18-4) as the Tar Heels really are looking to make a statement on Saturday. Sitting just 6-3 in the ACC, North Carolina dropped a trio of tough road games early in league play by falling to SMU, Stanford, and California in a two-week span. Fortunately, they’ve gotten back on track with this 4-game winning spurt, including a road win at Virginia two weekends ago.
Duke vs. North Carolina: When and Where
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026, 6:30 pm ET
Location: Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Duke vs. North Carolina: Where to Watch or Stream
Watch: ESPN
Streaming: FuboTV
Duke vs. North Carolina: Betting Odds
Spread: Duke Blue Devil -5.5, North Carolina Tar Heels +5.5
Moneyline: Duke Blue Devils -250, North Carolina Tar Heels +225
Total: 150.5
Duke vs. North Carolina: Series History
All-time series: North Carolina leads 145-120
Last meeting: Duke 74, North Carolina 71 (March 14, 2025)
Projected Starting Lineups
Duke Blue Devils
Cameron Boozer (23.3 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 4.0 apg)
Isaiah Evans (14.2 ppg, 3.1 rpg)
Patrick Ngongba II (11.0 ppg, 6.2 rpg)
Caleb Foster (8.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg)
Dame Sarr (5.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg)
North Carolina Tar Heels
Caleb Wilson (20.0 ppg, 9.8 rpg)
Henri Veesaar (16.8 ppg, 9.0 rpg)
Seth Trimble (14.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg)
Derek Dixon (5.8 ppg, 2.4 apg)
Jaydon Young (2.1 ppg, 1.0 rpg)
Regardless of past results, records typically get thrown out the window when Duke and North Carolina meet up in the regular season. What will garner plenty of attention this year is the matchup between Boozer and Wilson, who not only are two of the best power forwards in the nation but also two of the best freshmen. Whichever player shines the brightest gives his team the best chance to win. Let’s not forget about Evans and what he brings Duke’s offense or the versatility with a 7-footer like Veesaar roaming for the Tar Heels. This is clearly more than a one-man show with the faithful in Chapel Hill eager for a breakout performance.
Based on what we’ve seen through an impressive season to date, does Duke just keep winning these types of games and building an unimpeachable resume? Will we instead see North Carolina put together a complete performance and sink their bitter rivals once again?