CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The eighth-ranked North Carolina men’s lacrosse team opens the 2026 campaign Saturday, hosting Jacksonville (0-1) at Dorrance Field. Opening faceoff between the Tar Heels and Dolphins is set for Noon. 

Gameday Information

Date/Time: Saturday, Feb. 7 – Noon

Location: Dorrance Field – Chapel Hill, N.C.

Watch: ACCNX

Live Stats

Tickets

Dorrance Field Gameday Guide 

Opening Faceoff 

• The Tar Heels open the 2026 campaign this weekend, hosting Jacksonville at Dorrance Field. Last weekend’s previously scheduled season opener at Towson was canceled due to weather.

• Saturday fourth all-time meeting between the two programs, following last year’s 20-7 victory over the Dolphins in Chapel Hill.

• Last year, Carolina earned a share of the ACC regular season title, appearing in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2021.

A Win Over Jacksonville Would…

• Be the Tar Heels’ fourth win over Jacksonville, including the third in Chapel Hill.

• Give the Tar Heels their 28th-straight season-opening victory, a streak that dates back to 1999 and is the second longest nationally.

• Be Coach Joe Breschi‘s 262nd career victory and 170th win as the head coach of the Tar Heels. 

Season-Opener Success

• Entering Saturday, Carolina is 48-20 all-time in season openers, including an active 27-game season opener win streak, dating back to 1999. 

• The streak is the second longest in the country, behind Maryland’s 33-game win streak. 

• Last season, the Tar Heels defeated No. 16 Michigan in Carolina’s first game, 15-6. 

Anniversary Years

• In 2026, four of the five championship teams in program history will be celebrating anniversaries of their respective title seasons:

    – 1981: 45-year anniversary

    – 1986: 40-year anniversary

    – 1991: 35-year anniversary

    – 2016: 10-year anniversaryÂ