Heel Tough Blog: ACC/SEC Challenge Opponent Revealed

GoHeels.com

The 2026-27 non-conference schedule is still in the works, and it took a step towards being completed late last night, as the ACC/SEC Challenge matchups were revealed. According to Inside Carolina and confirmed by Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports, the Tar Heels will host the Arkansas Razorbacks in the fourth year of the event. Last year, Carolina won at Kentucky to improve to 2-1 in the ACC/SEC Challenge, with a previous win over Tennessee, coupled with a loss to Alabama two years ago. 

When Arkansas visits UNC on Tuesday, December 1st, it’ll mark the first time ever that the Razorbacks will have played in Chapel Hill, with 11 prior matchups between the two programs. It’ll also mark John Calipari’s return to the Smith Center for the first time since 2014, after bringing his Kentucky teams to Chapel Hill a handful of times during his time with the Wildcats. 

Listed below are the confirmed dates and opponents for the 2026-27 non-conference slate: 

November 2 - vs Western Carolina:

November 6 - vs Wofford

November 10 - vs Wyoming

November 13 - vs Georgia

November 20 - vs Marshall

December 1st - vs Arkansas (ACC/SEC Challenge) 

December 12 - @ Georgetown

December 19 - vs Kentucky (CBS Sports Classic at MSG) 

December 21 - vs The Citadel

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