Freshman Sensation Caleb Wilson Shines as UNC Tops Kansas in Statement Win
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson delivered a star-making performance Thursday night, leading the No. 25 Tar Heels to an 87-74 victory over No. 19 Kansas at the Smith Center. Wilson’s electric play from start to finish was the driving force behind UNC’s dominant second half, as the Tar Heels snapped a two-game losing streak and earned an early signature win in the 2025-26 season.
Wilson finished with 24 points on an efficient 9-of-12 shooting, adding 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals in what was his most complete game to date. The freshman guard’s energy and relentless attack on both ends of the floor set the tone for North Carolina, who outscored Kansas by 13 points in the second half.
“I felt a little disrespected coming into this game,” Wilson said after the win. “I wanted to show everyone what I’m capable of, and I knew my teammates had my back. We wanted to make a statement tonight, and I think we did that.”
Wilson’s performance was complemented by big man Henri Veesaar, who chipped in 20 points and 10 rebounds, providing a strong inside presence for the Tar Heels. The duo’s chemistry was on full display, as UNC’s offense found its rhythm after a sluggish start.
The game was tightly contested in the first half, with Kansas holding a narrow 40-38 lead at the break. However, Wilson and the Tar Heels came out with renewed intensity after halftime, going on a 15-4 run to open the second half and never looking back. North Carolina’s defense also tightened up, forcing 14 turnovers and limiting Kansas to just 38% shooting in the second half.
“Caleb was just phenomenal tonight,” said UNC head coach Hubert Davis. “He played with a lot of heart, and he made big plays when we needed them most. He’s a special player, and he’s going to be a big part of our success this season.”
Wilson’s emergence as a fan favorite has been rapid, as he’s now averaging 19.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists through the first five games of his college career. His combination of athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive intensity has drawn comparisons to some of UNC’s recent standout guards.
For Kansas, the loss marks their first defeat of the season and raises questions about their ability to compete with the nation’s top teams. Darryn Peterson led the Jayhawks with 18 points, but the team struggled to contain Wilson and failed to find consistent offensive rhythm after halftime.
“We didn’t match their energy, especially in the second half,” said Kansas head coach Bill Self. “Caleb Wilson was the difference-maker tonight. He’s a special talent, and we didn’t have an answer for him.”
The win over Kansas is a major boost for North Carolina’s NCAA Tournament resume and sets a positive tone as the Tar Heels prepare for a challenging ACC schedule. With Wilson leading the way, UNC fans have plenty to be excited about as the season unfolds.
“This is just the beginning,” Wilson said. “We’ve got a lot of work to do, but I know we can be special if we keep playing like this.”
North Carolina will return to action on Saturday against Wake Forest, while Kansas looks to regroup before facing Duke next week.