UNC finishes fourth in Directors’ Cup behind national runners-up

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jun 25, 2026, 4:20 PM

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

UNC finishes fourth in Directors’ Cup behind national runners-up
Summary

The University of North Carolina (UNC) secured a fourth-place finish in the Leafield Directors' Cup standings for the second consecutive year. The Tar Heels' performance was bolstered by their baseball and women's lacrosse teams, which both finished as national runners-up. Despite strong showings in several sports, including field hockey and men's lacrosse, UNC football and basketball struggled, with the football team finishing 4-8 and the basketball team losing in the first round of the NCAA Tournament after a significant lead. Athletics director Bubba Cunningham praised the achievements of student-athletes and coaches as he prepares to transition leadership of the athletics department.

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By the Numbers
  • UNC secured fourth place in the Directors' Cup for 2025-26.
  • Baseball and women's lacrosse finished as national runners-up.
  • Football finished 4-8, missing a bowl for the first time since 2018.
  • Basketball lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament after leading by 19.
  • Twenty-five of UNC's 28 teams made postseason appearances.
Latest Updates
  • 4:20 PMYahoo SportsUNC stays near top in Directors’ Cup standings. The good, bad from 2025-26
What they're saying
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UNC athletics had another strong finish in the Directors' Cup standings. Here's the good and bad from the Tar Heels in the 2025-26 season.

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