The North Carolina Tar Heels, now led by Michael Malone, are set for their third and final exhibition.

Heading into the 2026-27 season, there are definitely quite a bit of expectations around this team, though they come into the year unranked.

UNC received 20 votes, so unofficially, they're the No. 30-ranked team in the country.

Malone's squad took care of business in their first exhibition, but then stumbled in game two against Indiana.

The Tar Heels went to Indianapolis on Sunday, Oct. 18 and were crushed, 76-58. It's worth noting that game took place just over a week after the Malone era got off to a hot start with a 88-70 win against Southern California.

To put things into perspective, Indiana also comes into the year unranked, though they received eight votes so they're in a similar spot as the Tar Heels.

Obviously, there's no point in over-reacting to a preseason exhibition. Just ask the No. 1-ranked team, Florida, who suffered a setback of its own against Baylor.

All of that said, Charlotte comes to town on Tuesday, Oct. 27 in this team's final taste of what's to come in the regular season.

Charlotte is no stranger to playing teams above them as they played at Georgia on Friday, Oct. 16.

The Bulldogs took care of business in that one, 87-67, mostly due to the fact that they made 17 three-pointers.

Keep in mind, that was the 49ers only game played coming into this one.

Knowing UNC hosts Georgia on Friday, Nov. 13, it'll be interesting to see how they look against an opponent that the Bulldogs already beat by 20 points.

All-time, UNC is 2-0 against the 49ers. Sure, this game may be an exhibition, but there's a bit of history between these two teams as the Tar Heels ended Charlotte's season in the 1998 NCAA Tournament.

UNC prevailed, 93-83, in a second round tournament matchup where overtime was required.

Speaking of OT, that was also required in UNC's narrow 75-73 victory when the two teams met again in December of '98.

Predicted starting lineups are below, courtesy of On3's Jack Morris.

1. Terrance Brown

3. Matt Able

5. Jarin Stevenson

17. Neo Avdalas

21. Sayon Keita

2. Chaze Harris

3. Michael Walz

11. Keyshaun Tillery

12. Arden Conyers

24. Tyler McKinley