The Tobacco Road Classic: UNC vs. N.C. State Set for Greensboro Showdown in 2026-27 Season
UNC basketball and N.C. State are scheduled to face off in a nonconference game at the Greensboro Coliseum during the 2026-27 season. The game, known as "The Tobacco Road Classic," is set for December 15 and will be a two-year deal with a return game in 2027. This matchup marks the first regular-season meeting between the two programs in Greensboro since 1979.
The Tar Heels hold a 10-4 record against the Wolfpack in Greensboro, but the teams have not played there since the 1998 ACC Tournament. Last season, due to scheduling changes, UNC and N.C. State did not play twice in the regular season for the first time in 100 years. The Wolfpack emerged victorious in their lone meeting in Raleigh.
This upcoming game will feature first-year coaches on both sides, with Michael Malone leading the Tar Heels and Justin Gainey coaching the Wolfpack. The ACC's shift to an 18-game league schedule has altered some traditional rivalries in the conference, with UNC's primary partner being Duke and N.C. State's being Wake Forest.
The rivalry between UNC and N.C. State dates back decades, and fans can expect an exciting matchup when the two teams meet in Greensboro this season. Stay tuned for more updates on this highly anticipated game between the Tar Heels and the Wolfpack.