Hubert Davis Silences the Doubters as UNC Storms Into ACC Play
Heading into the season, the heat was on Hubert Davis. After three bubble seasons in four years - including a full miss in 2023 and barely sneaking into the field last spring - the noise around his job security was growing louder. But 12 games into the 2025-26 campaign, that conversation has taken a dramatic turn.
North Carolina is 11-1, off to its best non-conference start since the 2008-09 season - yes, the same one that ended with Tyler Hansbrough cutting down the nets. And while it’s still early, the Tar Heels are playing with the kind of purpose, depth, and frontcourt dominance that has people thinking they might just run the ACC.
CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein put it plainly: “Hubert Davis is reiterating - at least for now - that he's going to be the long-term answer at North Carolina.” And based on what we’ve seen so far, it’s hard to argue.
A Frontcourt Built to Dominate
Let’s start with what’s made this team so dangerous: the front line. Freshman sensation Caleb Wilson has been nothing short of electric.
He’s not just living up to the hype - he’s exceeding it. As the calendar prepares to flip to 2026, Wilson is firmly in the National Player of the Year conversation.
His blend of size, skill, and poise has made him a matchup nightmare every night out.
And he’s not doing it alone. Arizona transfer Henri Veesaar, all 7 feet of him, has been a revelation.
Whether it’s rim protection, rebounding, or stretching the floor, Veesaar has added a new dimension to this Carolina team. His presence has helped unlock the full potential of this frontcourt, which might be the most imposing in the country right now.
Depth and Resilience
What’s been equally impressive is how UNC has handled adversity. Senior guard Seth Trimble missed a big chunk of the early season, and yet the Tar Heels still went 8-1 without him. His return last weekend against Ohio State gives Davis another key piece - a veteran ball-handler and perimeter defender who knows the system and brings stability to the backcourt.
That kind of depth has been missing in recent years, but this group feels different. They’re balanced, experienced in key spots, and have a go-to star in Wilson. And now, with ACC play on the horizon, they’re getting healthy at just the right time.
The ACC Landscape
The timing couldn’t be better for Carolina to make a run. Traditional powers around the league are showing cracks.
Duke, for example, just gave up a season-high 73 points at home to Lipscomb - a team from the Atlantic Sun. Then came their first loss of the year, a collapse against Texas Tech in which the Blue Devils blew a 17-point lead. It’s not panic time in Durham, but it’s clear this isn’t a vintage Duke squad - at least not yet.
Louisville, another ACC heavyweight, has already taken two losses, including a 21-point drubbing at Tennessee. Yes, they were missing freshman point guard Mikel Brown Jr. in that one, but the margin of defeat was eye-opening.
In short, the door is wide open. And UNC, with its elite frontcourt, improving guard play, and a coach who’s found his groove, looks ready to walk through it.
Looking Ahead
The Tar Heels tip off ACC play Tuesday night at home against Florida State. It’s a chance to make an early statement in conference play and continue building momentum toward March.
For Hubert Davis, this season isn’t just about job security anymore - it’s about legacy. He’s got a team that can win big, and through 12 games, they’re playing like it.
The hot seat? That’s cooled off considerably.
Now, the focus shifts to something much bigger: chasing banners.