Inside Carolina: A UNC athletics podcast

Hubert Davis and the North Carolina Tar Heels needed a big man. Arizona transfer Henri Veesaar fit the bill and he long with James Brown, Zayden High and High Point transfer Ivan Matlekovic give Davis and staff size in the paint and options. Inside Carolina’s roundtable crew of Rob Harrington, Greg Barnes and Riley Davis join host Tommy Ashley for a comprehensive preview of the Tar Heel bigs and wrap this three-part series with final roster grades for the 2025-26 season. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bye weeks are normally a time to get healthy, change things up with scheme and evaluate personnel. In North Carolina’s case, the past several days have been anything but that as an inferno of chaos erupted around Bill Belichick’s program ultimately culminating in the administration and Belichick himself issuing statements on Wednesday night to try and quell the noise. Inside Carolina’s Jason Staples and Greg Barnes sort through the happenings of the past several days and discuss possible paths to success for 2025 and beyond. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As North Carolina’s fall baseball season comes to a close, Inside Carolina’s Tommy Ashley chats with UNC head coach Scott Forbes about his team’s progress over the past month and the emergence of key contributors heading into 2026. Forbes and Ashley discuss the pitching staff and how freshmen and transfers will play a vital role across the board when the season starts in February. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After opening with what Mitch Mason means to the Carolina program, former Tar Heel linebacker Jeff Schoettmer and wide receiver Taylor Vippolis react to Bill Belichick reportedly putting a ban in place of UNC social media accounts posting about the Patriots before the adults in the room had to step up to put an end to that to highlight Drake Maye's rise as a franchise quarterback. Then, the duo discusses the Clemson loss and assess their level of shock that the floor for this team seems to be much lower than anybody could have initially expected. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

UNC opened it's 2025-2026 season in an unofficial capacity on Saturday, tipping their Blue/White scrimmage in front of a live Smith Center audience. New players, different skill sets, and untested chemistry were among the myriad of themes on display. Former Tar Heel Justin Jackson joins Sherrell McMillan and Joey Powell to extract meaning from Saturday's showing, and Sherrell gives the latest update on target Bryson Howard in this episode. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With two weeks to prepare for Clemson, North Carolina’s performance brought into question in the severity of the issues surrounding the program under Bill Belichick’s guidance. The talent disparity between the two teams was evident, but it was the undisciplined and lack of a prepared plan that highlighted the 38-10 loss to the Tigers. Inside Carolina’s Buck Sanders, Jason Staples and Tommy Ashley discuss the aftermath and what’s next for UNC as another bye week provides this coaching staff a chance to turn the tide before heading to California to face the Bears. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Inside Carolina's Rob Harrington and Tommy Ashley share their reactions from North Carolina's annual Blue-White basketball scrimmage in the Smith Center on Saturday. Hubert Davis watched his assistants handle the coaching duties of the split squad in front a several thousand fans and the new, rebuilt roster was on display. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

North Carolina's 9-1 start is simply not surprising. Well, maybe it is for someone that seeks perfection and has accomplished such a feat with regularity. But opportunities for growth as a team, as a program occur daily, be it in practice or on the field during a draining double overtime loss to an ACC opponent. Erin Matson's 2025 UNC Field Hockey team is deep, talented and loaded with both youth and veterans and built for the long grind. With a rare opening in the season's schedule, she sat down with Inside Carolina's Tommy Ashley in The Purple Bowl to talk year three, success, that Wake loss and her continued vision for a dominant program. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week's matchup of Tar Heels and Tigers features two teams vastly different on paper, but going in similar directions on the field. Carolina comes in reeling after two P4 blowouts and a listless offense putting the fanbase in dire straits. Clemson, the preseason ACC favorite, limps in with a 1-3 record and many of the same offensive issues Bill Belichick's team faces. Inside Carolina's Jason Staples and Greg Barnes join Tommy Ashley to break down what the Heels need to do to have any chance of success on Saturday. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the second part of a series previewing UNC's roster for the upcoming basketball season, Sherrell McMillan, Sean Moran, and Rob Harrington join Joey Powell to examine the Wing and Combo position players. With such a high volume of turnover since last season, fans will undoubtedly be curious about the new team members, and this discussion spends time on each athlete, their respective skill sets, and other insights about how they might contribute this coming season. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nearly 40 years after the Smith Center doors first opened for business, it is time for a change. The planning stages for that change - a renewed arena or a completely new version - are in motion and the debate has sparked many conversations in Chapel Hill over the past weeks, months, even years. Inside Carolina’s Greg Barnes and Evan Rogers join Tommy Ashley to discuss their three-part series detailing the options, the expense and the discussions around the future of the legendary venue. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Four games in, the debate over UNC Football has been less about the wins and losses and more about how the team has looked in arriving at their 2-2 record. Inside Carolina’s Jason Staples and Greg Barnes join Tommy Ashley to check in on the Tar Heels and discuss the product on the field, what needs to change and what the expectations are both against Clemson on October 4th and beyond. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Inside Carolina's recruiting expert Don Callahan joins host Tommy Ashley for an in-season update on North Carolina football recruiting. Callahan and Ashley discuss the latest with QB commit Travis Burgess following season ending ACL surgery for the Grayson star and also discuss remaining options in the 2026 class. Finally, the duo discusses how recruits and prospects take in and process the action during the course of their recruitments as well as how the entire process of the Belichick hire affected the current product. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Former Tar Heel linebacker Jeff Schoettmer and wide receiver Taylor Vippolis react to Carolina’s 34-9 blowout loss at UCF. They dive into an offense struggling to generate any explosiveness and why it may be time to consider a quarterback change after what looks like a missed transfer portal evaluation. On the other side of the ball, the defense showed some improvements but still had its share of breakdowns. This episode covers all that and much more from a tough night in Orlando. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Since the last episode of the Coast to Coast, North Carolina has hosted another blue-chip recruit for an official visit. The season begins formally on September 22 with the start of practice. Additionally, there are some questions that will be a priority for Hubert Davis and his staff very early in the process this year surrounding this team's identity. Sherrell McMillan and Sean Moran join Joey Powell to unpack all of the above, plus a question from the live YouTube audience. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Inside Carolina's Buck Sanders and Jason Staples join Tommy Ashley for a breakdown of UNC's poor performance in Orlando. The Heels fell to 2-2 with a 34-9 loss to the Knights in a game that was never in doubt. The crew shares their takeaway from a loss that spotlighted Carolina's many issues this season, specifically on the offensive side of the ball. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

North Carolina faces UCF in a critical game for Bill Belichick and staff for a variety of reasons. Inside Carolina's Jason Staples and guest Trey Edge join host Tommy Ashley to dissect the matchup, discuss what the Tar Heels must find on offense and how the defense can disrupt a Knights offense that wants to spread the field and score in bunches. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the first episode of a new preview series examining UNC Basketball's 2025-26 roster, host Tommy Ashley is joined by Sherrell McMillan, Evan Rogers, and Rob Harrington to do a deep dive into every position group, beginning with the guards. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Former Tar Heel linebacker Jeff Schoettmer and wide receiver Taylor Vippolis break down everything from Carolina's 41-6 win over Richmond as the team returned home to Kenan Stadium. They discuss a defense that looks like it's improving, a defensive line that has outperformed expectations, question if Gio Lopez has the makings of a P4 quarterback that can find success and much more. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Playing down to the level of competition has plagued North Carolina football for years but so far this season, specifically the past two weeks, the Tar Heel defense has been stout. For the first time since 2012, UNC kept an opponent out of the end zone for two straight weeks and in yesterday’s performance, that success contributed to a 41-6 win over the Richmond Spiders. Inside Carolina’s Jason Staples and Buck Sanders join host Tommy Ashley breaking down both sides of the ball, highlighting the highs and pinpointing the lows and concerns moving forward. The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.