Projecting UNC Players Staying, Leaving After 2026 NCAA Tournament Bracket Loss
North Carolina rebounded from a disappointing season, winning 24 games and reaching the 2026 NCAA tournament as a No. 6 seed.
Frustration, however, comes all in shapes and sizes.
Star freshman Caleb Wilson lived up to his billing, but a pair of injuries sidelined him during the final month of the campaign. Although the Tar Heels stayed afloat without him against some lesser ACC competition, they ultimately lost to VCU 82-78 in overtime in the first round of March Madness.
While the offseason likely won't be as dramatic as the 2025 edition, UNC is still headed for a few notable changes in the coming months.
Who's Staying
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Core Rotation Pieces
Five players who averaged 16-plus minutes are poised to return, barring a transfer. Luka Bogavac and Jarin Stevenson spent much of the season in the starting lineup, while Jonathan Powell was a key player off the bench. Kyan Evans and Derek Dixon split a role in the backcourt, as well.
Next Wave of Talent
North Carolina didn't ask much of Zayden High until mid-February, but he surged into a regular spot after Wilson's initial injury. Young reserves Isaiah Denis and James Brown, a pair of recent top-100 prospects, both appeared in about 10 games and could earn increased minutes next season.
Who's Leaving
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Standout Senior
Somewhat a rarity these days, Seth Trimble played his entire college career in one place and followed a classic development arc. He rose from a 10-minute freshman and key reserve as a sophomore to a half-season starter as a junior and leading scorer in his final year. Trimble buried the game-winning shot against rival Duke this season, too. He leaves Chapel Hill as a well-respected alum.
NBA Draft Picks
From the moment he stepped on campus, Caleb Wilson looked like a one-and-done player. That expectation held true, and he's a projected top-five selection in the 2026 NBA draft. Henri Veesaar, meanwhile, has continually raised his draft profile to the point he's become a borderline first-rounder and likely NBA departure.
Outgoing Transfers
In this player-movement era, this stuff happens. As a general rule, I won't identify anyone specific—it feels unfair to them. But if a player feels his path to playing time is narrow at UNC, he'll enter the portal and look elsewhere.
Who's on the Way
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Top-25 Recruiting Class
Highlighted by a pair of 5-stars, the Tar Heels hold the nation's No. 25 incoming group. Dylan Mingo is ranked the fifth-best prospect in the class, and Maximo Adams checks in 21st overall. Malloy Smith, son of UNC icon Kenny Smith, rounds out North Carolina's recruiting haul.
Incoming Transfers
Given the production UNC must replace from its leading trio, there's no question the Heels will dip into the portal. They'll probably go star hunting in hopes of finding a top scorer, but expect complementary reinforcements, too. In particular, UNC needs some height—preferably a floor-spacing forward if Veesaar leaves.
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