UNC Basketball Still Has Time to Bolster Its Roster for the 2025–26 Season
As the college basketball offseason continues to unfold, questions loom large in Chapel Hill about whether North Carolina’s 2025–26 roster is truly ready to compete at the highest level. With significant departures, ongoing uncertainty in the transfer market, and unfilled needs—particularly on the wing—many Tar Heel fans are hoping that head coach Hubert Davis has a final move in his back pocket to solidify what currently looks like an incomplete team.
Despite a solid core and a strong tradition, UNC’s roster has taken a few major hits over the spring, and the consequences are beginning to show in the national outlook. In the latest edition of On3’s way-too-early Top 25 rankings, North Carolina barely held onto a spot, landing at No. 24. This is a notable dip for a program accustomed to being in the national title conversation, and it reflects a general sense of unease surrounding the team’s current composition.
James Fletcher of On3 cited several key player losses as the major reason behind the Tar Heels’ drop in the rankings. Chief among them are guard Elliot Cadeau, who opted to enter the transfer portal, and freshman wing Drake Powell, who left for the NBA. Most significantly, star veteran RJ Davis—who led the team in scoring and served as its emotional anchor—has also moved on after exhausting his eligibility. Together, these exits have left a noticeable void in both production and leadership, raising questions about who will step up in the season ahead.
The ranking itself offers some perspective on how far UNC’s perception has fallen. Slotted between Michigan State at No. 23 and UCLA at No. 25, North Carolina is no longer considered a top-tier contender by national analysts. This is a stark contrast to previous offseasons, when the Tar Heels were often penciled in among the top 10 programs before the first practice even began. This year’s lukewarm reception is a reflection of uncertainty and unrealized potential.
To make matters more complicated, one of UNC’s potential returnees—big man Ven-Allen Lubin—is reportedly reconsidering his decision to come back. Lubin, who had previously declared his intention to return to Chapel Hill after entering the transfer portal, is now the subject of strong rumors connecting him to a possible switch to rival NC State. Should he choose to make that move, it would not only leave a gap in UNC’s frontcourt depth but also deliver a blow to the program’s efforts to retool around returning players.
In response to these mounting issues, Davis and his staff have reportedly expanded their search internationally, targeting several European players to address their roster needs. Recruiting from overseas has become an increasingly common strategy in recent years, especially as more college programs explore global pipelines for untapped talent. While it’s unclear which specific prospects are being targeted, the decision to look abroad suggests that domestic options may be thinning—and that UNC is casting a wide net to fill the holes left behind.
One domestic option that remains on the table is Jamir Watkins, a versatile wing who played at Florida State last season. Watkins has declared for the NBA Draft but has not yet made a final decision about whether he’ll stay in or return to college. If he chooses the latter, UNC is expected to pursue him heavily. With his size, athleticism, and defensive ability, Watkins would be an ideal fit for a Tar Heel team that currently lacks proven wing depth. He could also provide an instant impact on both ends of the court, potentially easing the sting of Powell’s departure.
It’s worth noting that while Watkins would be a high-level addition, his situation remains fluid. Like many draft hopefuls, he is testing the waters to gather feedback from NBA teams before making a final call. UNC’s chances of landing him would depend not only on his decision to return to college but also on how well the coaching staff can sell him on a prominent role and the opportunity to boost his professional stock with another year of high-level collegiate play.
Despite all the uncertainties, there’s still time for UNC to reshape the narrative. The offseason is far from over, and roster movement often continues deep into the summer months. The transfer portal remains open for certain categories of players, and international commitments can materialize at any time. Hubert Davis has shown in the past that he’s willing to be patient if it means landing the right player rather than simply rushing to fill a spot.
But patience also comes with risk. The longer UNC waits, the fewer options will be available—and the greater the pressure will be on the coaching staff to make a smart, impactful move. The balance between urgency and prudence will be critical over the next few weeks, as Davis and his team try to shape a roster that can compete in the always-grueling ACC.
Meanwhile, returning players like Seth Trimble, Jae’Lyn Withers, and Jalen Washington will likely take on bigger roles next season. The development of younger talent and any incoming freshmen will also be essential in determining whether the team can exceed current expectations. Still, there’s a general feeling among fans and analysts that UNC needs at least one more proven contributor—especially on the perimeter—if it hopes to be more than just a fringe top-25 team.
As it stands, the 2025–26 Tar Heels remain a work in progress. The foundation is there, but the finishing touches have yet to be applied. Whether those final pieces come from the NBA Draft fallout, international signings, or surprise transfer additions, they will go a long way in shaping the team’s identity and potential heading into the fall.
For now, the Tar Heels are facing more questions than answers. But with time still on their side and roster spots available, the possibility remains that Davis could make one final move that changes the course of the offseason. In a landscape where late additions can turn good teams into contenders, UNC’s future may hinge on what happens between now and the end of the summer.
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