Virginia Tech Hokies vs North Carolina Tar Heels Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 02/28/26

North Carolina’s brand inflates spreads and the number reflects North Carolina’s brand as much as its performance profile. The Tar Heels are 22–6 overall and ranked, but their résumé shows volatility, particularly away from dominant stretches. They’ve taken multiple conference losses by margin (including an 82–58 loss at NC State and a 75–66 loss at Miami), and even at home they’ve been forced into close finishes, including a narrow 77–74 win over Louisville. This is a team that is far from infallible.

Virginia Tech’s profile fits the underdog script. The Hokies are 18–10 SU (7–8 ACC) and have already proven they can compete in tough environments, including a 76–66 road win at Clemson and multiple one-possession conference games. They can also tit-for-tat with the Tar Heels in terms of scoring, as both parties average output is separated by less than two points per game. Once again, the key angle is pricing. North Carolina’s name and ranking create a premium, especially if they are playing in Chapel Hill. The market is charging for reputation and home aura, not UNC being markedly better. The Hokies can hang around and maybe even pull an upset. Take the points.

Virginia Tech vs North Carolina prediction: Virginia Tech +6.5 (-115) available at time of publishing. Playable to +6.