ACC Power Rankings: Where Does UNC Stand?

Throughout this offseason, the ACC has been one of the hottest conferences in college basketball in terms of landing talent through the transfer portal.

During a transitional period like North Carolina finds themselves in, it isn’t great news to see other teams in the conference loading up on talent, especially rival teams.

Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Jarin Stevenson (15) dribbles against VCU Rams forward Jadrian Tracey (2) in the second half of a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

With that being said, North Carolina finds themselves in an interesting position on the totem pole heading into next season. Where are they ranked among their peers in the ACC’s projected top five teams for the upcoming season?

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1. Duke Blue Devils

Feb 28, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Caleb Foster (1) gestures to head coach Jon Scheyer during the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Duke won 77-51. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images | Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

As unfortunate as it is, Duke has to be the clear frontrunner to win the ACC again. They have reloaded with a plethora of talent and managed to return multiple starting players, including Patrick Ngongba, Caleb Foster and Dame Sarr.

North Carolina will have their hands full once again this season, and Duke will be no easy matchup. As Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils head into next season, they will certainly have championship aspirations, and anything less will simply be a letdown.

2. Louisville Cardinals

Louisville’s Pat Kelsey coaches his team against Virginia in the KFC Yum! Center Tuesday night. Jan. 13, 2026 | Scott Utterback/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

When speaking of teams that dominated the portal, Louisville comes away with the gold medal. Headlining their additions is Flory Bidunga, a five-star…

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Publish date : 2026-05-23 12:00:00

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