The University of North Carolina wrestling team, ranked 21st nationally, will host the Carolina Duals on Friday at Carmichael Arena in Chapel Hill. The event will feature matchups against three in-state teams: UNC Pembroke, Greensboro College, and Davidson.
The schedule for the day begins with UNC Pembroke facing Greensboro College at 1:00 PM. North Carolina will compete against UNC Pembroke at 2:30 PM while Davidson wrestles Greensboro College. The Tar Heels then take on Greensboro College at 4:00 PM and close the day against Davidson at 5:30 PM. Fans can attend in person with wristband re-entry permitted or watch the matches live on ACCNX.
This marks the first time in two years that the Carolina Duals are being held. The last event took place during the 2023-24 season, when head coach Rob Koll secured his first two victories with wins over Queens and Greensboro College.
Reflecting on their most recent performance, North Carolina defeated Navy 20-18 last Saturday during Military Appreciation Day in Chapel Hill. Bryce Hepner recorded a second-period fall—his eleventh career pin and first for the team this dual season. Other Tar Heel winners included Kysen Terukina (125 pounds), Ethan Oakley (133), Laird Root (157), and Jake Dailey (184).
Historically, North Carolina has a strong record against its upcoming opponents. The team is undefeated in four previous duals with UNC Pembroke, outscoring them by a combined total of 159-14; their last meeting was during the 1977-78 season. Friday marks the third consecutive year that North Carolina will face Greensboro College in Chapel Hill. Against Davidson, the Tar Heels hold a record of 23 wins, four losses, and three draws over more than a century of competition; they have not met since the 2008-09 season.
Six Tar Heel wrestlers are currently ranked by InterMat Wrestling heading into Friday’s matches: Kysen Terukina (No. 19 at 125 lbs.), Ethan Oakley (No. 19 at 133 lbs.), Luke Simcox (No. 18 at 141 lbs.), Bryce Hepner (No. 20 at 165 lbs.), Robert Platt (No. 30 at 197 lbs.), and Nolan Neves (No. 26 at heavyweight). As a team, North Carolina holds the No. 21 spot in the NWCA Coaches Poll.
Probable lineups for each matchup were announced ahead of Friday’s competition.