Inside Carolina: A UNC athletics podcast

Inside Carolina, North Carolina Tar Heels, North Carolina, North Carolina basketball, UNC basketball

The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program.

  1. 1D AGO

    What is UNC Basketball's Goal? - IC Daily | Inside Carolina Analysis | College Basketball

    NCAA Tournament expansion remains a hot topic across the college basketball landscape as the bar for entry into March Madness has dropped significantly with the addition of more teams. While that debate rages on, North Carolina's regular season slate for '26-27 remains a work in progress as the current lineup of opponents has only one potential marquee matchup. Inside Carolina's Greg Barnes joins Tommy Ashley to discuss how the tournament expansion could affect scheduling for the Tar Heels and what the goals in that regard, should be going forward for a UNC program looking to get back to prominence in the Michael Malone era. They also discuss the necessity of high-profile games for fan interest and revenue generation, noting that the ACC's viewership metrics influence media money. Finally, Barnes and Ashley debate a strategy to balance competitive scheduling with postseason success going forward.  Visit the No. 1 site for UNC sports coverage and community: http://www.InsideCarolina.com Founded in 1994, Inside Carolina is universally viewed as the authority on Tar Heel sports and recruiting. With relentless, unparalleled year-round coverage, and the largest online community of always-engaged UNC fans, the slogan is true: “There is no offseason at Inside Carolina.” **Call to Action:**   **Subscribe:** Follow 'Inside Carolina' wherever you get your podcasts to never miss an episode!   **Review:** Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help us reach more Tar Heel fans!   **Visit:** Explore http://www.InsideCarolina.com for breaking news, recruiting updates, and expert commentary on all things UNC sports. This show is brought to you by Inside Carolina, the No. 1 site for UNC sports coverage and community. Visit http://www.InsideCarolina.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    21 min
  2. 2D AGO

    Should UNC's Schedule Alter Expectations? - IC Daily | Inside Carolina | College Football

    A recent article by Phil Steele highlight North Carolina's 2026 football schedule as the toughest in the nation based on the opponents 2025 results. Inside Carolina senior reporter Greg Barnes joins Tommy Ashley to discuss Steele's findings and the fact that upcoming season undoubtedly ramps up the competition level compared to last season that produced a 4-8 record for the Tar Heels. TCU (in Ireland), Clemson, Notre Dame, Louisville, Virginia, Duke and NC State will be featured but Ashley and Barnes agree that it will be tough to gauge the true difficulty of the schedule until rosters are finalized and the play begins on the field. The conversation then shifts to expectations for the team and the coaching staff. Greg argues that while a 6-6 record would show progress from last year's 4-8, it may not be enough to satisfy a fan base that is paying top dollar for its coaching staff, including a head coach with a $10 million salary. Tommy emphasizes the importance of beating rivals, particularly NC State, and poses the question of whether a 6-6 season that includes a win over NC State would be enough to appease fans. They also discuss how expectations at elite programs like Ohio State or North Carolina basketball do not change based on schedule difficulty—fans expect excellence regardless. Both agree that while beating rivals is important, the ultimate goal should be sustained success and national relevance. The discussion concludes with the acknowledgment that the 2026 season will be a major test for the program, and that fan expectations will be a hot topic throughout the year, especially given the challenging schedule and the high-profile nature of the coaching staff. Visit the No. 1 site for UNC sports coverage and community: http://www.InsideCarolina.com Founded in 1994, Inside Carolina is universally viewed as the authority on Tar Heel sports and recruiting. With relentless, unparalleled year-round coverage, and the largest online community of always-engaged UNC fans, the slogan is true: “There is no offseason at Inside Carolina.” **Call to Action:**   **Subscribe:** Follow 'Inside Carolina' wherever you get your podcasts to never miss an episode!   **Review:** Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help us reach more Tar Heel fans!   **Visit:** Explore http://www.InsideCarolina.com for breaking news, recruiting updates, and expert commentary on all things UNC sports. This show is brought to you by Inside Carolina, the No. 1 site for UNC sports coverage and community. Visit http://www.InsideCarolina.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    17 min
  3. 3D AGO

    New Proposals Make Sense for College Football, UNC - IC Daily | Inside Carolina Analysis

    Inside Carolina senior reporter Greg Barnes joins Tommy Ashley to discuss the recent proposals by the American Football Coaches Association regarding the timeline for the college football season and the structure within the regular season and the playoffs. Barnes and Ashley debate the feasibility of expanding the playoff to 16 or 32 teams, considering financial benefits and the impact on academics. The conversation also touches on the need for a more proactive approach to college sports reform, addressing issues like the transfer portal window and the bowl system. Both agree that while money is a significant factor, a comprehensive reevaluation of the system is necessary. Visit the No. 1 site for UNC sports coverage and community: http://www.InsideCarolina.com Founded in 1994, Inside Carolina is universally viewed as the authority on Tar Heel sports and recruiting. With relentless, unparalleled year-round coverage, and the largest online community of always-engaged UNC fans, the slogan is true: “There is no offseason at Inside Carolina.” **Call to Action:**   **Subscribe:** Follow 'Inside Carolina' wherever you get your podcasts to never miss an episode!   **Review:** Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help us reach more Tar Heel fans!   **Visit:** Explore http://www.InsideCarolina.com for breaking news, recruiting updates, and expert commentary on all things UNC sports. This show is brought to you by Inside Carolina, the No. 1 site for UNC sports coverage and community. Visit http://www.InsideCarolina.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    21 min
  4. 4D AGO

    This Week in UNC Baseball: A View from First w Scott Jackson | Inside Carolina | College Baseball

    North Carolina head coach Scott Forbes spends a lot of time crediting his coaching staff for the Diamond Heel success on the baseball field. Whether it's in postgame press conferences or weekly interviews with Inside Carolina, Forbes is quick to heap praise and credit on the men that he has assembled to help lead his Tar Heels. This week, assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator Scott Jackson joins Inside Carolina's Tommy Ashley for a look into the inner workings of the program from roster building, player development and recruiting to game day preparation and what goes into coaching first base in the talented ACC. Visit the No. 1 site for UNC sports coverage and community: http://www.InsideCarolina.com Founded in 1994, Inside Carolina is universally viewed as the authority on Tar Heel sports and recruiting. With relentless, unparalleled year-round coverage, and the largest online community of always-engaged UNC fans, the slogan is true: “There is no offseason at Inside Carolina.” **Call to Action:**   **Subscribe:** Follow 'Inside Carolina' wherever you get your podcasts to never miss an episode!   **Review:** Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help us reach more Tar Heel fans!   **Visit:** Explore http://www.InsideCarolina.com for breaking news, recruiting updates, and expert commentary on all things UNC sports. This show is brought to you by Inside Carolina, the No. 1 site for UNC sports coverage and community. Visit http://www.InsideCarolina.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    35 min
  5. 4D AGO

    UNC, ACC Success Drives the Money Train - IC Daily | Inside Carolina Analysis | College Basketball

    Inside Carolina senior reporter Greg Barnes joins Tommy Ashley to discuss the ACC's - and member institutions - financial gain with the expansion of the NCAA Tournament in addition to the league's success based initiatives that have helped slow the widening money gap with the big two conferences. Barnes breaks down the success and viewership incentive models that have gone into effect for a league trying to keep pace with the SEC and Big Ten while keeping the league's elite programs content in the ACC. Visit the No. 1 site for UNC sports coverage and community: http://www.InsideCarolina.com Founded in 1994, Inside Carolina is universally viewed as the authority on Tar Heel sports and recruiting. With relentless, unparalleled year-round coverage, and the largest online community of always-engaged UNC fans, the slogan is true: “There is no offseason at Inside Carolina.” **Call to Action:**   **Subscribe:** Follow 'Inside Carolina' wherever you get your podcasts to never miss an episode!   **Review:** Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help us reach more Tar Heel fans!   **Visit:** Explore http://www.InsideCarolina.com for breaking news, recruiting updates, and expert commentary on all things UNC sports. This show is brought to you by Inside Carolina, the No. 1 site for UNC sports coverage and community. Visit http://www.InsideCarolina.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    16 min
  6. 5D AGO

    Bobby Petrino's Offense And UNC's Quarterback Room - IC Daily | Inside Carolina | College Football

    North Carolina's quarterback room passed the look test during spring practice and with the addition of offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, there is hope - and expectation - that the most important position on the football field will be a positive for the Tar Heels in 2026.  Petrino's past success on this side of the ball is unquestioned and the portal and recruiting work done over the past 18 months will be on display with Billy Edwards, Jr., Miles O'Neill, Tori Newkirk and Travis Burgess making their claim for PT along with summer addition Taron Dickens from Western Carolina. Inside Carolina's senior reporter Greg Barnes joins Tommy Ashley to discuss the position group, the importance of Petrino's fingerprints on the players and the offense and how other aspects of the offense can step up to alleviate any concerns in the trenches. Visit the No. 1 site for UNC sports coverage and community: http://www.InsideCarolina.com Founded in 1994, Inside Carolina is universally viewed as the authority on Tar Heel sports and recruiting. With relentless, unparalleled year-round coverage, and the largest online community of always-engaged UNC fans, the slogan is true: “There is no offseason at Inside Carolina.” **Call to Action:**   **Subscribe:** Follow 'Inside Carolina' wherever you get your podcasts to never miss an episode!   **Review:** Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help us reach more Tar Heel fans!   **Visit:** Explore http://www.InsideCarolina.com for breaking news, recruiting updates, and expert commentary on all things UNC sports. This show is brought to you by Inside Carolina, the No. 1 site for UNC sports coverage and community. Visit http://www.InsideCarolina.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    14 min
  7. MAY 1

    Reasonable Expectations for Carolina Football/Basketball? - IC Daily | College Football/Basketball

    With the financial investment into head coaches with professional experience in both football and basketball, Inside Carolina senior reporter Greg Barnes joins Tommy Ashley to discuss the evolving expectations for North Carolina's athletic programs in the new era of college athletics. Barnes notes that while eight wins were once a reasonable expectation for football, those significant financial investments, including the hiring of Bill Belichick, now necessitate higher standards. Similarly, Barnes believes that with Michael Malone's high salary, Carolina Basketball's level should include top ten expectations every year with legitimate chances to win national championships regularly.   Visit the No. 1 site for UNC sports coverage and community: http://www.InsideCarolina.com Founded in 1994, Inside Carolina is universally viewed as the authority on Tar Heel sports and recruiting. With relentless, unparalleled year-round coverage, and the largest online community of always-engaged UNC fans, the slogan is true: “There is no offseason at Inside Carolina.” **Call to Action:**   **Subscribe:** Follow 'Inside Carolina' wherever you get your podcasts to never miss an episode!   **Review:** Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help us reach more Tar Heel fans!   **Visit:** Explore http://www.InsideCarolina.com for breaking news, recruiting updates, and expert commentary on all things UNC sports. This show is brought to you by Inside Carolina, the No. 1 site for UNC sports coverage and community. Visit http://www.InsideCarolina.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    22 min
  8. APR 30

    NCAA Tournament Expansion About Money and Power Conferences - IC Daily | College Basketball

    Inside Carolina senior reporter Greg Barnes joins Tommy Ashley to discuss the recent news that the NCAA Tournament will likely expand to include 76 teams going forward for what is considered an attempt to provide more access to the crown jewel of the NCAA - March Madness.   Barnes and Ashley highlight the money aspect of the move, the dilution of the product and discuss the possible reasoning for this expansion beyond the obvious money grab from the NCAA in an effort to pay off the monies owed under the House Settlement that came down in 2025. Visit the No. 1 site for UNC sports coverage and community: http://www.InsideCarolina.com Founded in 1994, Inside Carolina is universally viewed as the authority on Tar Heel sports and recruiting. With relentless, unparalleled year-round coverage, and the largest online community of always-engaged UNC fans, the slogan is true: “There is no offseason at Inside Carolina.” **Call to Action:**   **Subscribe:** Follow 'Inside Carolina' wherever you get your podcasts to never miss an episode!   **Review:** Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help us reach more Tar Heel fans!   **Visit:** Explore http://www.InsideCarolina.com for breaking news, recruiting updates, and expert commentary on all things UNC sports. This show is brought to you by Inside Carolina, the No. 1 site for UNC sports coverage and community. Visit http://www.InsideCarolina.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    19 min
4.8
out of 5
775 Ratings

About

The Inside Carolina Podcast network features a wide range of current UNC sports topics, from game previews and instant postgame analysis, to recruiting breakdowns. IC’s stable of writers, insiders and analysts -- plus special guests -- comprise each program.

You Might Also Like