As Carolina football rapidly becomes a dumpster fire, it’s easy to forget that there are other UNC teams in the middle of really promising seasons. Another bye week for Belichick & Co. gives us an opportunity to take a break from doomscrolling and direct our attention to field hockey, volleyball, and men’s and women’s soccer — all of which are in action over the next few days, including some hugely important matchups. Here’s a look at the schedule.
Field hockey at Virginia, 5:00 PM Friday
Where to watch: ACC Network Extra
Why to watch: Virginia
and Carolina are ranked #2 and #3 in the latest national poll, meaning this is the first time since 2023 that the Tar Heels enter a game as the lower-ranked team. Senior Dani Mendez, who leads UNC in assists, was a three-year starter at UVA before transferring to Carolina this season. Above all else, it’s a crucial ACC game for the Tar Heels; they’re 3-1 in conference play, and Virginia is 5-0.
Volleyball at Clemson, 6:00 PM Friday
Where to watch: ACC Network Extra
Why to watch: Carolina is ranked #23 in the latest national poll, its highest ranking since 2017. The Tar Heels and Tigers are on opposite ends of the ACC standings, with UNC 4-0 and Clemson 0-4 in conference play. However, Carolina is only two spots ahead of Clemson in RPI, which indicates this could be a tight match. The Tar Heels haven’t lost to Clemson since the spring 2021 season.
Men’s soccer vs St. Thomas, 6:00 PM Saturday
Where to watch: ACC Network Extra
Why to watch: The Tar Heels haven’t lost since Sept. 1, recording three wins and four ties in their last seven games while conceding just two goals. This is their first time facing St. Thomas, which was in Division III until 2021. It shouldn’t be a very close game, but it’s a good chance to check out players like junior Luca Nikolai, who scored two goals in UNC’s last outing and is on the watch list for the MAC Hermann Trophy (soccer’s Heisman).
Field hockey vs Louisville, 12:00 PM Sunday
Where to watch: ACC Network
Why to watch: Louisville is ranked #19 in the latest national poll, the second top-20 opponent in a three-day span for the Tar Heels. Like Friday’s game, it’s a must-win for UNC if it wants to stay in contention for the #1 seed in the ACC Tournament. Carolina beat the Cardinals 2-1 on the road last season, scoring the go-ahead goal midway through the fourth quarter.
Volleyball at Georgia Tech, 1:00 PM Sunday
Where to watch: ACC Network Extra
Why to watch: Despite what Georgia Tech’s 6-7 record may suggest, this will be a challenging matchup for Carolina. The Yellow Jackets have had a tough schedule, facing six ranked opponents so far. They handed #12 Purdue one of its two losses this season on Sept. 3 and haven’t lost to UNC since 2017. The ACC has four teams ranked inside the top 10, and this match will give us an idea of how the Tar Heels might fare against them.
Women’s soccer at Duke, 1:00 PM Sunday
Where to watch: ESPNU
Why to watch: Besides the obvious (it’s UNC-Duke), this is a top 20 matchup with major ramifications for the ACC standings. A win could take the Tar Heels — ranked #19 to Duke’s #14 — from eighth place to fourth, while a loss or tie would keep them in the middle of the table with only four games to go. Carolina lost two regular season games against Duke last season before beating the Blue Devils in both the ACC and College Cup semifinals.
