Kade Nix

Joined: Mar 18, 2026

Kade Nix is a sports writer covering North Carolina on SI. He specializes in college basketball, college football, and the NFL. In 2021, he founded Kade’s Draft Room, a sports website that ran until 2025, and has an extensive background writing for multiple channels and sports websites. In addition to his writing experience, Kade has hands-on sports scouting experience, including time as a Texas area scout for the Hula Bowl, giving him a unique perspective on player evaluation and the college sports landscape.

Jun 17, 2026; Omaha, NE, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels center fielder Owen Hull (8) celebrates after driving in a run on a double against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the fourth inning at Charles Schwab Field. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Apr 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone during the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Mar 28, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone during the second quarter against the Utah Jazz at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Mar 12, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; NC State Wolfpack guard Matt Able (3) scores as Virginia Cavaliers forward Devin Tillis (11) defends in the first half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Mar 12, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The 2026 season hasn't started yet, but Michael Malone is already looking ahead. These three elite 2027 prospects could become major priorities for North Carolina's future.

Mar 12, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; NC State Wolfpack guard Matt Able (3) and Virginia Cavaliers forward Devin Tillis (11) fight for the ball in the first half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The ACC is loaded with talent once again. Here are the five games that could present the biggest challenge for North Carolina in Michael Malone’s first season.

May 30, 2026; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels infielder Owen Hull (8) stands on first base during game 4 of the Chapel Hill Regional at Boshamer Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-Imagn Images

After dominating the Chapel Hill Regional, UNC is headed to the Super Regionals.

Not everything went wrong for North Carolina last season. These four statistical strengths could give Michael Malone a strong foundation heading into year one.

May 30, 2026; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels infielder Gavin Gallaher (5) throws to first during game 4 of the Chapel Hill Regional at Boshamer Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-Imagn Images

The fast start for the Heels proved to be too much for the Pirates to handle.

Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Jarin Stevenson (15) celebrates after a play against the VCU Rams in the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

With the roster nearly complete, several talented Tar Heels are set to compete for valuable minutes.

UNC’s ACC schedule is officially set, and the road slate looks favorable.

Mar 10, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; Utah Utes guard Terrence Brown (2) drives around Cincinnati Bearcats guard Day Day Thomas (1) during the second half at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images

North Carolina’s stat leaders could look very different next season.

Jun 8, 2024; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels Jason DeCaro (29) pitches against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the first inning of the DI Baseball Super Regional at Boshamer Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Camarati-Imagn Images

Here’s what could decide North Carolina’s postseason run in the Chapel Hill Regional.

Mar 24, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone gestures in the third quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The numbers that explain UNC’s disappointing season.

Jun 8, 2025; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina outfielder Rom Kellis (25) hits the ball during the seventh inning of the Super Regionals game against Arizona in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

North Carolina knows its NCAA Tournament path, and the road to Omaha won’t be easy as the Tar Heels prepare to open regional play against VCU in Chapel Hill.

Nov 14, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Isaiah Denis (5) celebrates a three point basket in the second half against the North Carolina Central Eagles at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

North Carolina’s starters are beginning to emerge, but Michael Malone still has major rotation decisions to make that could shape the Tar Heels’ success next season.

Kade Nix

Joined: Mar 18, 2026

UNC's Road to Omaha: How Heels Reached National Championship Series

Why UNC Fans Need Patience With Michael Malone

This UNC Transfer Has the Biggest Breakout Potential

Projecting Able's 2027 Draft Ceiling With Successful Season at UNC

3 Elite 2027 Recruits North Carolina Should Prioritize

Ranking UNC Basketball’s Five Toughest ACC Games In 2026-27

UNC Baseball Super Regional Breakdown: Schedule, How To Watch, Bracket

4 Stats UNC Must Carry Into 2026-27 Season

Key Turning Point in UNC Regional Win Over ECU

UNC’s Biggest Position Battles Heading Into 2026-27 Season

Predicting UNC Basketball’s ACC Record in Michael Malone’s First Season

Predicting UNC’s Stat Leaders for 2026-27 Season

3 Up, 3 Down: UNC Baseball's Keys To Advancing From Chapel Hill Regional

3 Stats Malone Must Fix To Get UNC Back on Track

UNC Baseball Region Breakdown: Schedule, How To Watch, Bracket

3 Lineup Moves UNC's Malone Should Experiment With