The University of North Carolina will open its preseason schedule with a much‑anticipated exhibition against Indiana on October 18, the two programs announced Tuesday. The game will be played at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, the home arena of the Indiana Pacers and the Indiana Fever.
A New Era for the Tar Heels
Under first‑year head coach Michael Malone, who was hired in April, the Tar Heels bring back seniors Jarin Stevenson and Jaydon Young, along with sophomore Isaiah Denis. The roster also welcomes key transfers Matt Able, Neoklis Avdalas and Terrence Brown Jr., while international prospects Sayon Keita and Alexandros Samodurov add depth. Freshman standout Maximo Adams headlines a freshman class that also includes Malloy Smith and Kevin Thomas.
Indiana’s Second Year Under Darian DeVries
Indiana enters its second season under head coach Darian DeVries, who took over the program last year. The Hoosiers will field a lineup that includes former ACC standouts Markus Burton, Darren Harris, Samet Yigitoglu and Jaeden Mustaf, giving the team a blend of experience and talent.
Tickets and Venue
Tickets for the exhibition go on sale June 17 through Ticketmaster. Fans will be able to purchase seats for the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, a venue that has become a regular stop for high‑profile college basketball events.
A Look Back at the Series
The all‑time series favors Indiana, which holds a 10‑6 edge over UNC. The two teams last met in the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, where UNC emerged victorious, while the Tar Heels’ most recent championship appearance came in 1981 when they fell to Indiana in the title game. Exhibition games are limited to two per preseason per institution, a rule that has allowed UNC to schedule marquee matchups in recent years, including contests against Memphis and BYU. The upcoming exhibition promises a fresh test for both programs as they fine‑tune their lineups ahead of the regular season, and it will give fans an early glimpse of the new‑look Tar Heels and the Hoosiers’ revamped roster.