The Day After: On to 2026

In the first full recruiting cycle in the Bill Belichick era, North Carolina sought to fill needs across the board, especially in the lines of scrimmage. In flipping key pieces to the future away from established blue blood programs, the coaching staff accomplished the first step in the process of rebuilding the program’s image heading into 2026. Inside Carolina recruiting expert Don Callahan and senior reporter Greg Barnes join Tommy Ashley to discuss the signings and the important aspects of the day and offseason for the Tar Heels. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

North Carolina found its way late in Rupp Arena, and in the process, may have found its best option at point guard going forward. Freshman Derek Dixon hit a big three pointer and a late layup to push the Tar Heels to a 67-64 win over a desperate Kentucky team on Tuesday night. Inside Carolina’s Rob Harrington and Dewey Burke joined Tommy Ashley to break down the win and the highlights from a tough, much needed UNC victory. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Now back on the Inside Carolina beat, Greg Barnes joins Tommy Ashley and Don Callahan for an All Things UNC show discussing Bill Belichick’s first season, football recruiting and lessons learned from the 2025 season for the coaching staff. Barnes and crew discuss what moves the needle in a positive direction this offseason in the Kenan Football Center and how the prospects for 2026 can improve with the fanbase and observers of the program. Barnes and Ashley also discuss Carolina Basketball, briefly share thoughts on the Kentucky matchup and how the NIL landscape has impacted both major sports programs at UNC. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Thanksgiving trip to Fort Myers yielded mixed results for Carolina Basketball. After a few days back in Chapel Hill, they'll head to Lexington where Kentucky awaits a renewal of a Blue Blood battle. Sean Moran and Sherrell McMillan join Joey Powell to discuss last week and look ahead to the Wildcats. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Buck Sanders and Jason Staples join Tommy Ashley for a season postmortem after North Carolina's blow out defeat on Saturday night against NC State. The IC trio discusses what’s needed headed into the offseason to rejuvenate a fan base and program after a brutal 2025 season. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For decades, kids across the south have dreamed of wearing the Carolina uniform every time they pick up a basketball. Jackson Watkins lived that dream. As a student who made the JV squad in Chapel Hill and eventually walked on to the Varsity roster, Watkins's ride gave him rivalry wins, a Final Four, and other experiences that most couldn't imagine. His journey led to his new book, "Dream On - From Basketball to Biscuits", and he joins Joey Powell to talk about all that led to it. The book is now available for preorder on Shopify: https://dreamonbook.myshopify.com/products/dream-on-paperback The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a classic Big Ten style, Michigan State pushed around North Carolina physically, winning 74-58 on Thanksgiving Day. Inside Carolina’s Rob Harrington and former Tar Heel Dewey Burke joined Tommy Ashley to break down details surrounding the UNC loss and the issues exposed for Hubert Davis’s team against the Spartans. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

North Carolina heads to Raleigh looking to reverse the trend of NC State dominance in the rivalry on Saturday night. The Inside Carolina Game Plan crew of Jason Staples, Greg Barnes and Tommy Ashley discuss the importance of this game for Bill Belichick and then break down the matchup and what to expect on both sides of the ball for the Tar Heels. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

St. Bonaventure had a plan coming into it’s game against North Carolina - be physical and make the Heels work on both ends. Carolina struggled down the stretch of the first half, but a strong second stanza and a career night from Henri Veesaar provided the cushion the Heels needed to keep the Bonnies at arm’s length, winning 85-70. Inside Carolina’s Rob Harrington joins Tommy Ashley to discuss the key’s to UNC’s sixth straight win to open the season. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Inside Carolina leading basketball analyst Rob Harrington and former Tar Heel Justin Jackson join Tommy Ashley for the latest on UNC hoops. The schedule ramps up this week after a long home stand provided plenty of highlights and teaching moments for Hubert Davis and his team. What areas does Carolina need to improve? How do they match up with St. Bonaventure and Michigan State this week? All this and more, plus Thanksgiving meal favorites! The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.