NC State's Will Wade Faces UNC in Rivalry Debut

New Wolfpack coach looks to make statement in first matchup against Tar Heels

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Every year, the home game between NC State and rival UNC is a highly anticipated matchup for Wolfpack fans. This season, it holds even greater significance as it will mark the debut of new NC State head coach Will Wade against the Tar Heels. Wade was hired to help elevate the Wolfpack program and challenge the long-standing dominance of their Triangle rivals, making this first showdown a potential 'Tobacco Road Reckoning'.

Why it matters

As a new coach, Will Wade's first game against UNC will be a crucial early test to see if he can begin to shift the balance of power in the storied North Carolina basketball rivalry. NC State has struggled to consistently compete with the Tar Heels in recent years, and Wade's ability to lead the Wolfpack to a win in this matchup would be an important early statement about the program's direction under his leadership.

The details

The annual home game between NC State and UNC is always one of the most anticipated matchups on the college basketball calendar for fans in the Triangle region. This season, it takes on added significance as it will mark the debut of new Wolfpack head coach Will Wade against the Tar Heels. Wade was hired to help elevate the NC State program and challenge the long-standing dominance of their in-state rivals, making this first showdown a potential 'Tobacco Road Reckoning'.

  • The NC State vs. UNC game is scheduled for February 16, 2026.

The players

Will Wade

The new head coach of the NC State Wolfpack, hired to help elevate the program and challenge their in-state rivals.

University of North Carolina Tar Heels

The long-standing rival of NC State, who have dominated the series in recent years.

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The takeaway

This matchup between NC State and UNC represents a crucial early test for new Wolfpack coach Will Wade, who was hired to help shift the balance of power in the storied Tobacco Road rivalry. A win for Wade in his debut against the Tar Heels would send a strong message about his ability to turn NC State into a consistent contender in the ACC.