North Carolina Wrestling Looks to Keep Dominance Rolling in Rivalry Clash with Duke
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - It’s rivalry week in Chapel Hill, and the North Carolina wrestling team is set to square off against Duke on Friday night in a classic ACC showdown. Set for a 7 PM start inside Carmichael Arena, the No. 13-ranked Tar Heels will look to bounce back from a tough loss and extend their long-standing dominance over the Blue Devils.
A Rivalry Steeped in History - and Tar Heel Wins
This will mark the 101st meeting between the two programs, and history leans heavily in Carolina’s favor. The Tar Heels hold a commanding 75-25 edge in the all-time series and have absolutely owned the rivalry in recent years. UNC has won nine straight against Duke and 48 of the last 50 matchups overall.
Last season in Durham, the Tar Heels didn’t just win - they dominated. UNC took nine of ten bouts en route to a 40-3 blowout victory. That kind of performance speaks to the depth and consistency Rob Koll’s squad has built, especially in key weight classes where experience and talent are converging at the right time.
Looking to Rebound After Pitt Loss
UNC enters the weekend looking to shake off a 22-9 loss to No. 14 Pitt, a dual where the Panthers took control early and never let go. Carolina managed just three wins on the night - but each came with its own silver lining.
At 165 pounds, Bryce Hepner continued to prove why he’s one of the Tar Heels’ most reliable performers. The Ohio State transfer set the tone with a first-period takedown and held firm to beat No.
33 Jared Keslar, 4-2. It was a gritty, composed performance from a wrestler who's quickly becoming a cornerstone in the lineup.
At 184, Jake Dailey showed why he’s undefeated in conference action, improving to 3-0 in ACC bouts with a 7-3 win over No. 28 Chase Kranitz. Dailey’s ability to control the pace and dictate position has been a huge asset for UNC all season.
And at 125, Kysen Terukina broke through with his first ACC win of the year, edging Tyler Chappell 8-6 in a tight, scrappy battle. The Iowa State transfer is starting to find his rhythm, and his development could be a game-changer for the Tar Heels down the stretch.
Newcomers Making Their Mark
This is year three under head coach Rob Koll, and the roster has seen a noticeable influx of new talent - nine new faces joined the program in the offseason, including two high-impact transfers in Hepner and Terukina. The duo has been as advertised. Together, they’ve compiled a combined 23-4 record this season and have solidified their spots as consistent starters at 165 and 125, respectively.
Their presence has not only added depth but also raised the ceiling for this team in dual meets and postseason potential.
Tar Heels in the Rankings
Carolina isn’t just winning duals - they’re doing it with firepower across the board. Six Tar Heels are currently ranked in InterMat’s weekly individual rankings:
- 125: Kysen Terukina - No. 14
- 133: Ethan Oakley - No. 24
- 141: Luke Simcox - No. 10
- 157: Laird Root - No. 28
- 165: Bryce Hepner - No. 13
- 184: Jake Dailey - No. 13
As a team, the Tar Heels hold the No. 13 spot in the NWCA Coaches Poll, a testament to both their individual talent and dual-meet strength.
Matchup Breakdown: UNC vs. Duke
Here’s a look at the projected matchups for Friday night’s dual:
- 125: No. 14 Kysen Terukina vs.
Spencer von Savoye
- 133: No.
24 Ethan Oakley vs. Riley Rowan
- 141: No. 10 Luke Simcox or Marco Tocci vs.
Raymond Adams
- 149: Nate Askew vs.
Dylan Ross
- 157: No.
28 Laird Root vs. Mikey Boulanger
- 165: Joey Showalter vs. Aurelius Dunbar
- 174: Collin Carrigan vs. No.
23 Aidan Wallace
- 184: No.
13 Jake Dailey vs. David Hussey
- 197: Robert Platt vs. Owen McGrory
- 285: Jacob Levy vs. No.
23 Connor Barket
There are some intriguing matchups here, particularly at 174 and 285, where Duke brings in ranked wrestlers. But for Carolina, the formula is simple: lean on experience, capitalize on ranked talent, and set the tone early.
What’s at Stake
For UNC, this dual is about more than just bragging rights. It’s a chance to reinforce their ACC standing, regain momentum after the Pitt loss, and continue building toward the postseason with confidence. For Duke, it’s about trying to disrupt a lopsided rivalry and steal a few key bouts against a top-15 opponent.
But if history - and current form - are any indicators, the Tar Heels are in a strong position to keep the streak alive and remind everyone in the ACC that Chapel Hill is still a wrestling stronghold.
First whistle blows at 7 PM. Expect fireworks.