Syracuse vs. North Carolina on ABC: A Game-Changing Showdown You Can’t Miss!

When you’ve got a showdown on the calendar like Syracuse versus North Carolina, you know something big is about to go down. This isn’t just any game fans eagerly respect—it’s about to get national TV treatment, a rare feather in the cap for the Orange, who’ll be lighting up the JMA Wireless Dome on a Saturday afternoon come February 21st. Now, ABC stepping in to broadcast this clash adds a whole new layer of intensity and stakes, especially since it’s the exclusive ACC men’s hoop battle on their slate next season. Intriguingly, while almost every other ESPN on ABC game features top-ranked teams battling it out, this Syracuse-North Carolina contest flies under that radar—making the narrative even juicier. Both squads are hungry to prove something — UNC aiming to build off a 23-win season and barely making the dance last year, while Syracuse looks to leap forward and answer the all-important question: Can they punch their ticket to March Madness? There’s a palpable buzz swirling, and this game might just be the spark that defines their season. Before that spotlight moment though, Syracuse will have to grind through their opener against Binghamton on November 3, setting the tone for what promises to be a fascinating journey. LEARN MORE

A Syracuse Orange men’s basketball game fans already had circled will now also be highlighted, underlined and bolded by many. That’s because it will be in the national spotlight.

Syracuse’s home game versus the North Carolina Tar Heels will be aired on ABC, ESPN announced Wednesday. The Orange-Tar Heels matchup is just one of five men’s college basketball games that will be broadcasted on the network in 2025-26. It’s also the only ACC game that will be on ABC this season. The entire ESPN on ABC includes 11 total games (men’s and women’s).

Tip-off in the JMA Wireless Dome is also set for Saturday, February 21 at 1 p.m. EST.

Something interesting to point out: using ESPN’s Way-Too-Early rankings for both men’s and women’s basketball, 10 of the 11 games ABC will air are ranked versus ranked matchups. The only one not on that list: North Carolina versus Syracuse.

Again, a game that already carried plenty of weight (second of two games versus UNC in February, Saturday tip-off, resume implications, now the likely candidate for the Boeheim’s Army “campout,” etc.) just added even more stakes. Above anything, there will be clear expectations on both sides.

For North Carolina, it’s taking another step forward after a 23-win season and just narrowly getting into the NCAA Tournament last year. For Syracuse, all signs point toward a massive step of improvement, but will that result in getting into the Big Dance? It’s a critical game for both sides, and again, quite interesting this is the only ACC game making the cut.

But before getting to February, Syracuse will first need to navigate the fall and winter. The Orange’s 2025-26 season officially starts on November 3 at home versus Binghamton.