The UNC men’s basketball program is looking to bounce back after a disappointing first-round exit to Ole Miss in March — a game that marked the final appearance in a Tar Heels jersey for several key players, including RJ Davis, Elliot Cadeau, Ian Jackson, Jalen Washington, Jae’Lyn Withers, and Drake Powell.
In response, head coach Hubert Davis and his staff — with the support of General Manager Jim Turner — have reloaded the roster with a new wave of talent. The incoming transfer class features Arizona big man Henri Veessar, West Virginia sharpshooter Jonathan Powell, scoring guard Kyan Evans from Colorado State, versatile forward Jarin Stevenson from Alabama, and former Virginia Tech guard Jaydon Young.
They’re joined by a promising freshman class highlighted by Derek Dixon, Isaiah Denis, and five-star standout Caleb Wilson.
The revamped Tar Heels will get an early test this October in an exhibition matchup against BYU in Salt Lake City, Utah. The game will spotlight AJ Dybantsa, the top-ranked recruit in the 2025 class and a projected top-three pick in the NBA Draft.
Robby McCombs first reported the news on Twitter.
While fans may be eager to see a competitive showdown on the court, this exhibition will more importantly serve as an early test of how well the new-look Tar Heels can come together. With so many fresh faces in the locker room, chemistry and cohesion will be key storylines to watch.
Rising senior Seth Trimble is expected to take on a leadership role this season. After briefly entering the transfer portal last year, Trimble ultimately chose to return to Chapel Hill — a decision that now puts him at the center of a team in transition. Guiding a revamped roster through the pressures of high expectations and a national title pursuit will be no easy task.
According to GoHeels, North Carolina has faced BYU just twice in program history. Their last meeting came on November 24, 2007, when the Tar Heels secured a 73–63 win in Las Vegas.
For head coach Hubert Davis, whose future with the program may be under increased scrutiny, this exhibition could be an early indicator of what’s working — and what still needs attention — before the 2025–26 season tips off in November.
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