Central Arkansas Bears vs North Carolina Tar Heels Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 11/03/25

UNC head coach Hubert Davis will be under significant pressure to bounce back from last year’s disappointment, but it’s not going to be easy after R.J. Davis graduated and Elliot Cadeau opted to transfer. Entering the season ranked No.25 in the AP Poll, the Tar Heels will look to newcomers Kyan Evans from Colorado State and Luka Bogavac from overseas to make an immediate impact.  Statistically, UNC was average defensively last year, ranked 47th in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency per Kenpom – and all eyes will be on Henri Veesar, Kyan Evans, and Caleb Wilson to help boost this team’s defense. 

Central Arkansas finished last season with a 9-24 record, including a rough 1-16 record on the road, and they’ll open this year against a tough UNC squad in Chapel Hill. The Bears enter the matchup with a new look after losing their top two scorers – Lane Taylor, who averaged 17.4 points per game and transferred to Murray State, and Elias Cato, who added 14.5 points per game last season. UNC has the talent to make a run this season, and they should have too much offensive firepower for Central Arkansas to keep up in this matchup. Look for North Carolina to win big on opening night and cover the large spread. 

Central Arkansas vs North Carolina prediction: UNC -33.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.