UNC vs Kansas: Tar Heels Look to End Jayhawks' Win Streak

Blue Bloods Collide: UNC vs Kansas Set to Renew Rivalry

College basketball fans are in for a treat as two of the sport's most iconic programs prepare to clash when the No. 25 North Carolina Tar Heels host the No. 19 Kansas Jayhawks in a highly anticipated matchup on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET.

Key Matchup: Tar Heels Seek First Win Over Jayhawks Since 2002

This game carries significant weight for both programs, particularly for North Carolina, which is looking to snap a five-game losing streak against Kansas that dates back to 2008. The Tar Heels haven't defeated the Jayhawks since November 27, 2002, during the era of Raymond Felton and Sean May.

"I think it's an added sense of urgency for us to continue to improve and get better," said UNC head coach Hubert Davis in a preview of the game. "He's ready, and he wants the spotlight. He's somebody that runs towards it," Davis added, referring to freshman Caleb Wilson.

UNC's Freshman Star: Caleb Wilson

Wilson, a highly-touted freshman forward, has been "too locked in" all week according to reports, determined to prove that this year's Tar Heel team is different from last season's squad that struggled against top competition.

Wilson showed flashes of his potential in UNC's season-opening 94-54 victory over Central Arkansas, where he showcased his athleticism with a emphatic dunk that had the Dean E. Smith Center crowd roaring. If UNC is to end their Kansas drought, Wilson will need to be a difference-maker on both ends of the court.

Kansas' Dynamic Duo: Darryn Peterson and Flory Budinga

The Jayhawks counter with a formidable two-man show featuring first-year guard Darryn Peterson and center Flory Budinga. Peterson, the second-ranked player in the Class of 2025 according to 247Sports, is already making waves as one of the best scorers in the country with his three-level scoring ability.

"He's more than just a scorer; he's a complete basketball player," Davis noted. "And obviously he's playing at an extremely high level with tremendous confidence."

Complementing Peterson is Budinga, a 6-foot-10, 235-pound traditional center who excels in pick-and-roll situations and as a lob threat. The physicality of Budinga could pose challenges for UNC's junior center Henri Veesaar, who showed in the season opener that he's more of a face-up player than a traditional post defender.

UNC's Offensive Struggles and Path to Victory

One area of concern for UNC is shooting. Against Central Arkansas, the Tar Heels shot just over 34 percent from the field, with key perimeter shooters Jonathan Powell and Luka Bogavac combining to go just 2-for-11. If UNC hopes to topple Kansas, their sharpshooters must rediscover their stroke.

"The one thing the Tar Heels must do is shoot the ball better," the Daily Tar Heel reported. "Powell and Bogavac should both get back on track, but if they don't, UNC could be in trouble."

On the defensive end, UNC will need to employ a team-wide approach to contain Peterson, who is expected to draw the primary assignment from senior guard Seth Trimble. Given Kansas' relatively short starting lineup (average height just over 6-foot-6), UNC's interior players, including Veesaar and Wilson, may need to step up offensively.

Viewing Information: How to Watch UNC vs Kansas

Fans eager to witness this blue-blood showdown have multiple options for watching:

• TV Channel: ESPN
• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Live Stream: WatchESPN
• Radio: SiriusXM (Channels 193 and 198)

The Dean E. Smith Center is expected to be packed with fans wearing both Carolina Blue and Kansas Blue, creating an electric atmosphere for this early-season non-conference clash.

Prediction: UNC Looks to Pull Off Upset

Despite Kansas' recent dominance in the series, many analysts believe UNC has the talent and depth to emerge victorious in this matchup. With 11 new players this season, the Tar Heels have upgraded in size and talent across the roster, featuring a deep bench that could prove crucial in a tightly contested game.

If Caleb Wilson can outperform his counterpart Darryn Peterson and UNC's superior depth becomes a factor, the Tar Heels could send their fans home happy with a signature win to kick off the conference slate.

Final Prediction: UNC 72, Kansas 68