UNC Moves Up in College Basketball Rankings After Veesaar's Return

The Tar Heels rose one spot to No. 19 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches poll.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 6:07pm

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The University of North Carolina men's basketball team has moved up one spot to No. 19 in the latest USA TODAY Sports Coaches poll, following a blowout loss at N.C. State and a 13-point win at Syracuse in which starting center Henri Veesaar returned to the lineup.

Why it matters

UNC is one of the most prominent college basketball programs in the country, and its ranking in the national polls is closely watched by fans and analysts alike. Veesaar's return from injury is a significant development that could impact the team's performance and standing in the rankings as the season progresses.

The details

The Tar Heels, who now hold a 21-6 overall record and a 9-5 mark in ACC play, moved up one spot to No. 19 in the latest USA TODAY Sports Coaches poll released on Monday, February 23. This comes after UNC suffered a blowout loss at N.C. State but then bounced back with a 13-point win at Syracuse, in which starting center Henri Veesaar returned to the lineup after missing time due to injury.

  • UNC lost at N.C. State prior to the latest poll release.
  • UNC defeated Syracuse 13-point on February 23, 2026.
  • The latest USA TODAY Sports Coaches poll was released on February 23, 2026.

The players

Henri Veesaar

The starting center for the University of North Carolina men's basketball team, who returned to the lineup after missing time due to injury.

Caleb Wilson

A player for the University of North Carolina men's basketball team who suffered an injury.

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The takeaway

UNC's rise in the rankings despite a recent loss and Veesaar's return from injury suggests the team's resilience and the potential for a strong finish to the season, as they look to build momentum heading into the postseason.