As the 2025–26 college basketball season approaches, the North Carolina Tar Heels find themselves striving to match the rigorous non-conference schedule set by their archrivals, the Duke Blue Devils. Under head coach Jon Scheyer, Duke has assembled a formidable lineup of non-conference games, including high-profile matchups against Texas, Michigan, Michigan State, Kansas, Arkansas, and Texas Tech. Notably, the Blue Devils will face Texas Tech on December 20 at Madison Square Garden, a venue that adds prestige to an already challenging schedule .
In response, North Carolina has curated its own demanding non-conference slate. The Tar Heels will travel to Lawrence to play Kansas on November 8, marking their first visit to Allen Fieldhouse since 1960 . Additionally, UNC will participate in the Maui Invitational from November 25–27, facing a competitive field that includes UConn, Auburn, and Michigan State . Other significant games include a home matchup against Alabama on December 4 and a clash with UCLA at Madison Square Garden on December 21 .
The intensified scheduling by both programs reflects a broader trend in college basketball, where teams seek to bolster their résumés ahead of NCAA Tournament selections. For North Carolina, these high-stakes games offer an opportunity to test their mettle against top-tier competition, especially after a previous season that saw them finish 23–14 and exit in the first round of the NCAA Tournament .
As both teams gear up for the season, the rivalry between Duke and North Carolina extends beyond their head-to-head matchups, encompassing their strategies in scheduling and preparation. Fans can anticipate a season filled with intense competition and marquee games that will shape the trajectory of both storied programs.
