Jarin Stevenson will return to UNC

Mar 7, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Jarin Stevenson (15) dunks during the first half against the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images | Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

Another piece of last year’s team has decided to stick around. Jarin Stevenson, a Chapel Hill native, announced that he would be returning to Carolina for his senior season on Monday. Stevenson was a versatile piece of last year’s team, splitting time between the starting lineup and being the first guy off the bench. His return gives Michael Malone a seasoned college player to slot into his plans for his first Tar Heel team.

Stevenson joins Jaydon Young as the only pieces of last year’s team to commit to returning to play for Malone. Young briefly entered the transfer portal before announcing his return. Stevenson’s status was up in the air with some noting that he wasn’t seen at Malone’s introductory press conference, so the news that he is returning is very welcome.

Malone has already started to put the pieces of his team together with these pieces and the commitment of Neoklis Avdalas from Virginia Tech. He’s still waiting on decisions from Henri Veesaar and Derek Dixon, as well as a big portal target in Juke Harris. Incoming freshman Maximo Adams reaffirmed his commitment to UNC over the weekend, but we’re still waiting news about what Dylan Mingo plans to do.