Tobacco Road Classic Revives ACC Rivalry | College Basketball News

The ACC is reviving classic rivalries with UNC and NC State set to clash in the Tobacco Road Classic on December 15, 2026, in Greensboro — a nostalgic nod to historic matchups and fan passion. With both teams playing each other just once annually, this game could inspire similar events for Duke-Clemson or Wake Forest-Virginia. Coaches Michael Malone and Justin Gainey, both new to ACC play, see it as a chance to ignite rivalry energy — especially since this marks the first time since 1946 that both schools start with fresh coaches. That year’s hires — Tom Scott at UNC and Everett Case at NC State — helped shape the ACC and its fiercest rivalries. This classic showdown might just spark the next chapter of Tobacco Road drama. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/b905caec2dee62c2