UNC Women's Basketball Ranked No. 11 in Coaches Poll

The Tar Heels enter the 2026-27 season holding the 11th spot in the USA TODAY Sports coaches poll.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Basketball

UNC Women's Basketball Ranked No. 11 in Coaches Poll

Live Poll

Do you trust preseason coaches' polls to accurately predict how your local college team will perform?

The UNC women's basketball team begins the 2026-27 season ranked No. 11 in the national USA TODAY Sports coaches poll. This recognition follows two consecutive Sweet 16 appearances for the program.

Why it matters

The ranking reflects high expectations for the team as head coach Courtney Banghart enters her eighth season in Chapel Hill. The poll provides a snapshot of the competitive landscape for major Division I women's basketball programs.

The coaches poll ranks UNC at No. 11, while the team is also slated to finish third in the ACC preseason poll. Other ACC programs in the national poll include Duke at No. 4, Louisville at No. 7, Notre Dame at No. 13, and N.C. State at No. 25.

The players

Courtney Banghart

Courtney Banghart is entering her eighth season serving as the head coach for the UNC women's basketball team.

The details

Thirty-one Division I head coaches determined the rankings, which place UNC among several other high-ranked conference competitors. Coach Courtney Banghart leads the team into the new season after establishing a consistent track record of reaching the Sweet 16 over the last two years.

The 2026-27 season represents the timeframe for the current UNC basketball schedule.
The USA TODAY Sports coaches poll was released on October 20, 2026.

Season Trajectory

This top-15 preseason ranking positions the Tar Heels as a major contender within the ACC and a key player in the national playoff picture. Maintaining this standing will be critical as the team aims to build upon its back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances from the two previous seasons.

UNC enters the season with a No. 3 spot in the ACC preseason poll, setting high expectations for conference matchups. Fans can expect significant tests early on against ranked league rivals Duke, Louisville, Notre Dame, and N.C. State.

The takeaway

The No. 11 ranking underscores the consistency of the UNC program under current leadership. Staying updated on preseason polls can provide valuable context for fans tracking the team's path toward postseason eligibility.