UNC guard officially re-signs with program for 2026-27 season

The UNC men's basketball program is slowly watching its 2026-27 roster take shape, despite plenty unknowns and outsanding targets.

On Monday, North Carolina landed Northwestern center Cade Bennerman in the transfer portal. The Tar Heels' most high-profile addition is former Utah guard Terrence Brown, while returning guys like Jarin Stevenson provide a major frontcourt boost.

On Monday, UNC gained a backcourt boost in the form of reserve guard Jaydon Young, who officially re-signed for the 2026-27 season.

After playing two seasons at Virginia Tech, Young transferred into Chapel Hill during the 2025 offseason. Starting four games for North Carolina a season ago, Young's best outing came against Wake Forest, when he scored a season-best 12 points in an 87-84 win.

Young started just four of his 31 appearances, but proved himself as a key contributor off the bench, particularly as the Tar Heels got deeper into ACC play.

UNC's backcourt currently includes Brown, NC State transfer Matt Able, Isaiah Denis and now Young. Michael Malone will undoubtedly experiment with his best combinations, something Tar Heel Nation should trust the 2023 NBA Champion to do with ease.

As previously mentioned, North Carolina's roster is nowhere near complete. Maximo Adams re-affirmed his commitment to the Tar Heels, who parted ways with fellow 2026 recruit Dylan Mingo. UNC is targeting several international big men, something Malone has NBA experience with via Nikola Jokic's development.

With Young now entering his senior campaign, it's reasonable to expect him playing more minutes on Malone's first team. His official return should temporarily ease an eager fan base.