In the storied history of North Carolina basketball, the name Caleb Wilson is already being etched alongside the program's greatest legends.

The 12th-ranked Tar Heels opened Atlantic Coast Conference play Tuesday night with a 79-66 victory over Florida State, fueled by a historic performance from their freshman phenom. Wilson finished the night with 22 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists, becoming the first freshman in UNC history to score 20 or more points in six consecutive games.

Through 14 games, Wilson has already eclipsed the 20-point mark 10 times. That total ties him with legendary guard Phil Ford for the third-most 20-point games by a freshman in school history, leaving him just four games shy of the all-time freshman record held by Tyler Hansbrough.

The 6-foot-10 Wilson dominated the floor from the opening tip. Despite a sluggish start for the Tar Heels (13-1, 1-0 ACC), who missed 10 of their first 11 shots, Wilson provided the spark necessary to stabilize the offense. He nearly secured a double-double in the first half alone, entering the break with 14 points and nine boards.

With his dominant performance, Wilson became one of only six players in North Carolina history to record a 20-10-5 game. The exclusive list features some of the biggest names ever to wear the Carolina blue, including James Worthy, Billy Cunningham, Mitch Kupchak, Joseph Forte, and Luke Maye.

"That's your prototypical UNC pro that's going to go make a ton of money playing basketball," Florida State head coach Luke Loucks said of Wilson following the game. "He's going to help win a lot of games."

While Wilson headlined the night, he was far from a solo act. The Tar Heels showcased their depth and a revamped defensive identity:

• Seth Trimble: The senior provided veteran stability, chipping in 20 points and seven rebounds.
• Kyan Evans: Evans found his rhythm from deep, hitting a season-high five 3-pointers for 15 points.
• Henri Veesaar: The big man posted 12 points and 12 rebounds, marking the seventh time this season that he and Wilson have recorded double-doubles in the same game.

Defensively, UNC stifled the Seminoles (7-7, 0-1 ACC), holding them to 34.6% shooting from the field. It marks the 14th consecutive game the Tar Heels have held an opponent under 75 points—the program's best defensive stretch to start a season since the 1981-82 national championship campaign.

The victory moves UNC to its best start since the 2008-09 season, a year that ended with a national title.

The Tar Heels will take their momentum on the road as they play their first game of the 2026 calendar year. UNC visits SMU on Saturday, Jan. 3, for its first ACC road test of the season.

With Wilson’s draft stock soaring as a potential top lottery pick, every game is becoming a "must-watch" for NBA scouts and Tar Heel fans alike.