The overall product in the ACC is better this season after last year’s disaster for the league, and this Saturday brings us yet another one of those intriguing matchups. A North Carolina team that really needs some stability heads back on the road, taking on an upstart Virginia squad that once again looks like a league contender.
The early returns from North Carolina (15-4) were excellent, as the Tar Heels lost just one of their first 14 games before things really fell apart in recent weeks. The defense has been abysmal in three straight road losses against the league’s three newest members, including in their recent trip to California. Hubert Davis’s squad did bounce back nicely at home against Notre Dame just a few days ago with their best performance in ACC play and hope to continue that momentum.
After dropping their league opener, Virginia (16-2) has looked the part of a league contender in the ACC under first year coach Ryan Odom. That triple overtime loss to Virginia Tech is in the rearview, as the Cavaliers have rad wins against Louisville, NC State, and SMU since the calendar turned to January. They’ve put themselves in an impressive position during this 5-game winning streak and certainly look to keep that going at home.
North Carolina vs. Virginia: When and Where
Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026, 12:00 pm ET
Location: John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Virginia
North Carolina vs. Virginia: Where to Watch or Stream
Watch: ESPN2
Streaming: FuboTV
North Carolina vs. Virginia: Betting Odds
Spread: Virginia Cavaliers -6.5, North Carolina Tar Heels +6.
Moneyline: Virginia Cavaliers -275, North Carolina Tar Heels +230
Total: 149.5
North Carolina vs. Virginia: Series History
All-time series: North Carolina leads 136-62
Last meeting: North Carolina 81, Virginia 66 (February 22, 2025)
Projected Starting Lineups
North Carolina Tar Heels
Caleb Wilson (19.8 ppg, 10.4 rpg)
Henri Veesaar (17.1 ppg, 9.2 rpg)
Seth Trimble (14.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.1 apg)
Derek Dixon (5.5 ppg, 2.1 rpg)
Jaydon Young (2.4 ppg, 0.8 rpg)
Virginia Cavaliers
Thijs De Ridder (16.1 ppg, 6.2 rpg)
Malik Thomas (13.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg)
Sam Lewis (9.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg)
Johann Grunloh (8.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg)
Dallin Hall (5.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 4.4 apg)
With the way Virginia has been playing in recent weeks, North Carolina will have their hands full on the road. It’s plainly clear that they’ll need Wilson and Veesaar playing at a high level to contend, but what the Tar Heels really need is for their defense to show up. This means the full complement of talent playing at high level, especially in their efforts to contain what’s been a great season for De Ridder. Virginia doesn’t depend on streaky shooting but consistent play and it’s going to be a long 40 minutes for the Tar Heels on both ends. They need someone other than their two stars to show up to win in Charlottesville.
Does North Carolina find a way to get their season back on track with an upset win on the road and a better defensive performance? Do we see Virginia continue that hot streak with another win over a ranked conference foe?