The North Carolina Tar Heels (48-11-1, 22-8 ACC) are hosting the USC Trojans (47-16, 20-10 Big Ten) in the Chapel Hill super regional at Boshamer Stadium during the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
North Carolina is in a super regional for the third-straight season and is looking to get back to the College World Series for the second time in three years. USC is in a super regional for the first time in 21 years and is looking to get back to Omaha and the College World Series for the first time since 2001.
Here is World Baseball Network’s preview of the Chapel Hill super regional.
North Carolina has won 12 of its last 14 games
The North Carolina Tar Heels have continued to peak at the right time. Head coach Scott Forbes’ team has won 12 of their last 14 games dating back to May 3.
After finishing as ACC Tournament runners-up, the Tar Heels swept through the Chapel Hill regional, beating the VCU Rams and the East Carolina Pirates twice.
North Carolina’s pitching staff continued to impress in the Chapel Hill regional. The Tar Heels struck out 29 hitters in the three games they played this weekend. They also did not allow the long ball to be a factor for their opponents. North Carolina’s pitching allowed just one home run in the Chapel Hill regional.
The Tar Heels were sharp enough offensively to beat VCU and East Carolina for a regional title. However, that will be something to watch against the Trojans’ tough pitching staff.
USC pitching looks to challenge the Tar Heels
The USC Trojans battled back from elimination to win the College Station regional this past weekend. In the regional final, the Trojans allowed the Texas A&M Aggies to score just four runs in two games combined.
Andrew Johnson and Grant Govel delivered big-time starts on the mound for the Trojans. In 11 innings of work combined between the two of them, they were able to shut down Texas A&M enough for the Trojans’ offense to break through to victory.
Mason Edwards also pitched during the College Station regional in a 19-6 win for USC over Lamar. With a 1.73 ERA in 88 1/3 innings of work this season, he will play a major factor in the Chapel Hill super regional.
In College Station, the Trojans showed they have the pitching capability to hold down North Carolina’s offense this weekend.
2026 Chapel Hill Super Regional Schedule
North Carolina vs USC – Game One – Friday, June 5 – 3 p.m. ET – ESPN2
USC vs North Carolina – Game Two – Saturday, June 6 – 2 p.m. ET – ESPN
Game Three – If Necessary
WBN NCAA: https://worldbaseball.com/league/ncaa/
PHOTO: North Carolina’s Jason DeCaro (29) pitches during an NCAA baseball game on Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)
