Michael Malone is walking into one of the most prestigious jobs in college basketball, and with it comes a tough ACC schedule in year one. Through the incoming freshman class in 2026 and the transfer portal, the ACC has only grown stronger over the last couple of months.

Malone's first season in Chapel Hill will not be an easy one. He will have to navigate truly difficult opponents each week in a conference that has gotten much better compared to last season.

Jan 3, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of the North Carolina Tar Heels logo on the shorts of forward Caleb Wilson (8) during the second half against the SMU Mustangs at Moody Coliseum.…