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Locations of the four universities in North Carolina.

Tobacco Road is a term used in college sports, mainly basketball, for the four rival universities of North Carolina that play in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).[1] The term refers to the area's history as a major tobacco producer. The Tobacco Road teams represent the following universities:

North Carolina, Duke, and NC State lie in the Research Triangle and are separated by no more than 25 miles (40 km). Before moving to Winston-Salem in 1956, Wake Forest University was located in the town of Wake Forest within the Triangle region, to the northeast of Raleigh. The schools are historical and present powerhouses among college sports, especially basketball. The universities' proximity and membership in the ACC, coupled with their reputation for academic prestige and as hubs for research and innovation, has created a natural rivalry among students, fans, and alumni.

Basketball

[edit]

Men's basketball

[edit]

These four universities are also known in the state as the "Big Four" and competed in the Dixie Classic men's basketball tournament from 1949 to 1961, in which the four schools won all 13 tournaments played. They also played in the Big Four Tournament in Greensboro, North Carolina, from 1971 to 1981. The Wake–Duke rivalry is the oldest basketball rivalry among the four schools in that it dates back to the 1905–06 season and was the first intercollegiate basketball game in North Carolina. The Wake-Duke rivalry is just ahead of the more well known UNC-Duke rivalry in terms of games played by two games. The rivalries between the four schools also account for six of the most frequently played men's basketball rivalries in the ACC. The four schools have a combined 13 men's national basketball championships (UNC has 7 (6 NCAA), Duke has 5, NC State has 2). The four schools also won 2 NIT titles (UNC won 1, and Wake won 1). In the men's tournament they have combined to have 11 runners-up (Duke has 6 and UNC has 5) and 39 Final Fours (UNC has 20, Duke has 16, NC State has 4, and Wake has 1). At least one Tobacco Road team has made the NCAA Tournament every year since 1974. Since the NCAA Tournament started in 1939, all four teams have missed the same tournament eleven times. The years in which none of the teams were in the tournament was 1940, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1958, 1971, and 1973. All four teams have made the same tournament 4 times (1991, 2003, 2004, 2005). Prior to the 2014 NCAA Tournament, at least one of the teams had made the Sweet 16 since 1979.

Aside from the ACC Tournament, the four schools have only played each other in the postseason four times, only twice in the NCAA tournament. The first two times came in the NIT Tournament: Wake beat NC State in a semifinal game of the 2000 NIT Tournament and went on to win the tournament, and UNC beat Duke in a semifinal game of the 1971 NIT Tournament, also winning the tournament. The third time was UNC’s victory over Duke in the Final Four of the 2022 NCAA Tournament in New Orleans. The fourth time was NC State’s win over Duke on Easter Sunday in the Elite Eight of the 2024 NCAA Tournament in Dallas.

Tobacco Road national postseason games
Team 1 Score Team 2
Date
Tournament 		Round
Venue
North Carolina Tar Heels 73–67 Duke Blue Devils
March 25, 1971
1971 National Invitation Tournament 		Semifinals
Madison Square Garden, New York City
Wake Forest Demon Deacons 62–59 North Carolina State Wolfpack
March 28, 2000
2000 National Invitation Tournament 		Semifinals
Madison Square Garden, New York City
Duke Blue Devils (West #2) 77–81 North Carolina Tar Heels (East #8)
April 2nd, 2022
2022 NCAA Tournament 		Final Four (National Semifinal)
Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Duke Blue Devils (South #4) 64–76 North Carolina State Wolfpack (South #11)
March 31st, 2024
2024 NCAA Tournament 		Elite Eight (South Regional Final)
American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas

Furthermore, in 1991 in Indianapolis, Duke and UNC came within one game of playing each other for the national championship. North Carolina lost 79–73 to Kansas, coached by former Tar Heel assistant and future head coach Roy Williams, while Duke upset previously undefeated UNLV 79–77 in a rematch of the previous year's championship game, which UNLV had won by 30 in Denver.

The four schools have combined to win 71 men's conference tournaments with 21 SoCon tournaments and 50 ACC tournaments (UNC won 26, Duke won 24, NC State won 17, and Wake Forest won 5). While in the Southern Conference they won or shared 17 SoCon regular season titles between the 1922–23 and 1952–53 seasons. They have also dominated ACC regular season play, having won or shared 52 regular season titles between them, including all but seven since the 1980–81 season.

Records (1949–2024)[2][3][4][5]
Team v. UNC v. NCSU v. Duke v. WFU Overall Record Winning %
North Carolina N/A 120–60 104–89 111–52 335–201 .625
NC State 60–120 N/A 74–99 106–76 240–295 .449
Duke 89–104 99–74 N/A 126–59 314–237 .570
Wake Forest 52–111 76–106 59–126 N/A 187–343 .353

Women's basketball

[edit]

While the women's basketball teams have not been as successful, one team from the region has won the NCAA championship with North Carolina, who did so in 1994. They have reached the Final Four on three occasions, reaching in 1994, 2006, and 2007. They have won the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament nine times while winning the regular season title four times. Duke has made the NCAA Tournament Championship twice, losing in 1999 and 2006. They made the Final Four on four occasions (1999, 2002, 2003, 2006). They have won eight ACC tournament championships and twelve regular season titles. NC State has advanced to the Final Four twice, doing so in 1998 and 2024. They have won the ACC Tournament seven times and the regular season six times. Wake Forest has had the least amount of success, as they have only reached the NCAA Tournament on two occasions (1988, 2021). At least one of the four schools has made all but 10 of the 46 combined CIAW, AIAW, and NCAA tournaments since 1969, and all since 1980.

Football

[edit]

Though the Tobacco Road rivalry predominantly relates to basketball, football between these programs is also competitive. As of the 2025 season, the four schools have combined to appear in 111 bowl games (Duke has 18, won 9; UNC has 38, won 15; NC State has 37, won 17; Wake has 18, won 12). They have also shared or won outright a combined 32 conference championships (20 ACC and 12 SoCon). Through 2025, NC State is the only school out of the four to not appear in the ACC Championship Game since the ACC adopted a divisional format in 2005. The format divided the four schools in which Wake Forest and NC State were put in the Atlantic Division, while Duke and UNC were put in the Coastal Division. Wake Forest and Duke were "permanent cross-division" rivals, meaning that they played every year regardless of division, as did UNC and NC State. The Wake–UNC and Duke–NC State games were played two of every twelve years, excluding additional matchups played as non-conference games. After the ACC divisions were abolished in 2023, a protected rivalry scheduling system was adopted. All four teams have the three other Tobacco Road schools as rivals, except Wake–UNC. In football, the four schools have produced 5 players and no coaches in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. They have also produced 15 players and 6 coaches in the College Football Hall of Fame. The oldest of the football rivalries between the four schools belongs to the UNC-Wake rivalry, which dates back to October 10, 1888 and was the first intercollegiate football game in North Carolina.

The four schools compete unofficially for a "state championship," with the school(s) with the best record in their two to three games against the other Tobacco Road rivals claiming the championship.[6] Since 2024, the winner of the state championship has been awarded "The Battle for the Old North State" trophy.[7] The trophy depicts a pig smoking a cigar, representing two of the state's historical industries (swine and tobacco), as well as the state's barbecue rivalries and the traditional rivalry name "Tobacco Road." Since the trophy's inception, Duke has dominated, winning all six of its Tobacco Road games in 2024 and 2025 and claiming the trophy each year.[6]

North Carolina victories NC State victories Duke victories Wake Forest victories
Year Winner Summary UNC vs. NCSU UNC vs. Duke UNC vs. WF NCSU vs. Duke NCSU vs. WF Duke vs. WF
1924 Wake Forest WF 3–0, UNC 2–1, NCSU 1–2, Duke 0–3 UNC 10–0 UNC 6–0 WF 7–6 NCSU 14–0 WF 12–0 WF 32–0
1925 Split UNC, NCSU, WF UNC 2–1, NCSU 2–1, WF 2–1, Duke 0–3 UNC 17–0 UNC 41–0 WF 6–0 NCSU 13–0 NCSU 6–0 WF 21–3
1926 Split UNC, NCSU, WF UNC 2–1, NCSU 2–1, WF 2–1, Duke 0–3 UNC 12–0 UNC 6–0 WF 13–0 NCSU 26–19 NCSU 7–3 WF 21–0
1927 NC State NCSU 3–0, UNC 1–2, Duke 1–2, WF 1–2 NCSU 19–6 UNC 18–0 WF 9–8 NCSU 20–18 NCSU 30–7 Duke 32–6
1928 North Carolina UNC 2–0–1, Duke 2–1, NCSU 1–1–1, WF 0–3 Tie 6–6 UNC 14–7 UNC 65–0 Duke 19–12 NCSU 37–0 Duke 38–0
1929 North Carolina UNC 3–0, Duke 2–1, NCSU 1–2, WF 0–3 UNC 32–0 UNC 48–7 UNC 48–0 Duke 14–12 NCSU 8–6 Duke 20–0
1930 North Carolina UNC 2–0–1, Duke 1–0–2, WF 1–2, NCSU 0–3 UNC 13–6 Tie 0–0 UNC 13–7 Duke 18–0 WF 7–0 Tie 13–13
1931 North Carolina UNC 2–0–1, Duke 1–1–1, WF 1–2, NCSU 1–2 UNC 18–15 Tie 0–0 UNC 37–0 NCSU 14–0 WF 6–0 Duke 28–0
1932 Duke Duke 2–1, UNC 1–1–1, NCSU 1–1–1, WF 0–1–2 UNC 13–0 Duke 7–0 Tie 0–0 NCSU 6–0 Tie 0–0 Duke 9–0
1933 Duke Duke 3–0, UNC 2–1, NCSU 0–2–1, WF 0–2–1 UNC 6–0 Duke 21–0 UNC 26–0 Duke 7–0 Tie 0–0 Duke 22–0
1934 North Carolina UNC 2–0–1, Duke 2–1, WF 1–2, NCSU 0–2–1 Tie 7–7 UNC 7–0 UNC 21–0 Duke 32–0 WF 13–12 Duke 28–7
1935 Duke Duke 3–0, UNC 2–1, NCSU 1–2, WF 0–3 UNC 35–6 Duke 25–0 UNC 14–0 Duke 7–0 NCSU 21–6 Duke 26–7
1936 Duke Duke 3–0, UNC 2–1, WF 1–2, NCSU 0–3 UNC 21–6 Duke 27–7 UNC 14–7 Duke 13–0 WF 9–0 Duke 20–0
1937 North Carolina UNC 3–0, Duke 2–1, NCSU 1–2, WF 0–3 UNC 20–0 UNC 14–6 UNC 28–0 Duke 20–7 NCSU 20–0 Duke 67–0
1938 Duke Duke 3–0, UNC 2–1, NCSU 1–2, WF 0–3 UNC 21–0 Duke 14–0 UNC 14–6 Duke 7–0 NCSU 19–7 Duke 7–0
1939 Duke Duke 3–0, UNC 2–1, WF 1–2, NCSU 0–3 UNC 17–0 Duke 13–3 UNC 36–6 Duke 28–0 WF 32–0 Duke 6–0
1940 Split UNC, Duke, WF UNC 2–1, Duke 2–1, WF 2–1, NCSU 0–3 UNC 13–7 UNC 6–3 WF 12–0 Duke 42–6 WF 20–14 Duke 23–0
1941 Duke Duke 3–0, WF 2–1, NCSU 1–2, UNC 0–3 NCSU 13–7 Duke 20–0 WF 13–0 Duke 55–6 WF 7–0 Duke 43–14
1942 Split UNC, NCSU, Duke, WF UNC 1–1–1, NCSU 1–1–1, Duke 1–1–1, WF 1–1–1 NCSU 21–14 Tie 13–13 UNC 6–0 Duke 47–0 Tie 0–0 WF 20–7
1943 Duke* Duke 2–0, WF 1–0, UNC 1–1, NCSU 0–2 UNC 27–13 Duke 14–7 N/a Duke 75–0 WF 54–6 N/a
1944 Duke†* Duke 2–0, WF 2–0, NCSU 0–1, UNC 0–2 N/a Duke 14–7 WF 33–0 N/a WF 21–7 Duke 43–0
1945 Duke* Duke 3–0, WF 2–1, UNC 0–2, NCSU 0–2 N/a Duke 14–7 WF 14–13 Duke 26–13 WF 19–18 Duke 26–19
1946 Split UNC, NCSU* UNC 2–0, NCSU 2–0, Duke 1–2, WF 0–3 N/a UNC 22–7 UNC 26–14 NCSU 13–6 NCSU 14–6 Duke 13–0
1947 North Carolina† UNC 2–1, Duke 2–1, NCSU 1–2, WF 1–2 UNC 41–6 UNC 21–0 WF 19–7 Duke 7–0 NCSU 20–0 Duke 13–6
1948 North Carolina UNC 3–0, WF 2–1, NCSU 0–2–1, Duke 0–2–1 UNC 14–0 UNC 20–0 UNC 28–6 Tie 0–0 WF 34–13 WF 27–20
1949 North Carolina UNC 3–0, NCSU 1–2, Duke 1–2, WF 1–2 UNC 26–6 UNC 21–20 UNC 28–14 Duke 14–13 NCSU 27–14 WF 27–7
1950 Wake Forest WF 2–0–1, Duke 2–1, UNC 1–2, NCSU 0–2–1 UNC 13–7 Duke 7–0 WF 13–7 Duke 7–0 Tie 6–6 WF 13–7
1951 Wake Forest WF 3–0, Duke 2–1, UNC 1–2, NCSU 0–3 UNC 21–0 Duke 19–7 WF 39–7 Duke 27–21 WF 21–6 WF 19–13
1952 Duke* Duke 3–0, WF 2–1, UNC 0–2, NCSU 0–2 N/a Duke 34–0 WF 9–7 Duke 57–0 WF 21–16 Duke 14–7
1953 Duke Duke 3–0, UNC 2–1, WF 1–2, NCSU 0–3 UNC 29–7 Duke 35–20 UNC 18–13 Duke 31–0 WF 20–7 Duke 19–0
1954 Duke Duke 3–0, UNC 2–1, WF 1–2, NCSU 0–3 UNC 20–6 Duke 47–12 UNC 14–7 Duke 21–7 WF 26–0 Duke 28–21
1955 Duke Duke 3–0, WF 1–1–1, UNC 1–2, NCSU 0–2–1 UNC 25–18 Duke 6–0 WF 25–0 Duke 33–7 Tie 13–13 Duke 14–0
1956 Duke Duke 3–0, WF 1–1–1, NCSU 1–2, UNC 0–2–1, NCSU 26–6 Duke 21–6 Tie 6–6 Duke 42–0 WF 13–0 Duke 26–0
1957 NC State NCSU 2–0–1, UNC 2–1, Duke 1–1–1, WF 0–3 NCSU 7–0 UNC 21–13 UNC 14–7 Tie 14–14 NCSU 19–0 Duke 34–7
1958 Duke Duke 3–0, UNC 1–2, Duke 1–2, WF 1–2 NCSU 21–14 Duke 7–6 UNC 26–7 Duke 20–13 WF 13–7 Duke 29–0
1959 North Carolina UNC 3–0, Duke 2–1, WF 1–2, NCSU 0–3 UNC 20–12 UNC 50–0 UNC 21–19 Duke 17–15 WF 17–14 Duke 27–15
1960 Duke† NCSU 2–1, Duke 2–1, UNC 1–2, WF 1–2 NCSU 3–0 UNC 7–6 WF 13–12 Duke 17–13 NCSU 14–12 Duke 34–7
1961 Duke Duke 3–0, UNC 1–2, NCSU 1–2, WF 1–2 UNC 27–22 Duke 6–3 WF 17–14 Duke 17–6 NCSU 7–0 Duke 23–3
1962 Duke Duke 3–0, NCSU 2–1, UNC 1–2, WF 0–3 NCSU 27–22 Duke 16–14 UNC 23–14 Duke 21–14 NCSU 27–3 Duke 50–0
1963 North Carolina UNC 3–0, NCSU 2–1, Duke 1–2, WF 0–3 UNC 31–10 UNC 16–14 UNC 21–0 NCSU 21–7 NCSU 42–0 Duke 39–7
1964 North Carolina† UNC 2–1, WF 2–1, NCSU 1–2, Duke 1–2 NCSU 14–13 UNC 21–15 UNC 23–0 Duke 35–3 WF 27–13 WF 20–7
1965 NC State† NCSU 2–1, Duke 2–1, UNC 1–2, WF 1–2 UNC 10–7 Duke 34–7 WF 12–10 NCSU 21–0 NCSU 13–11 Duke 40–7
1966 NC State* NCSU 2–1, Duke 1–1, WF 1–1, UNC 1–2 UNC 10–7 Duke 41–25 WF 3–0 NCSU 33–7 NCSU 15–12 N/a
1967 NC State NCSU 3–0, UNC 1–2, Duke 1–2, WF 1–2 NCSU 13–7 UNC 20–9 WF 20–10 NCSU 28–7 NCSU 24–7 Duke 31–13
1968 NC State NCSU 3–0, UNC 1–2, Duke 1–2, WF 1–2 NCSU 38–6 UNC 25–14 WF 48–31 NCSU 17–15 NCSU 10–6 Duke 18–3
1969 Duke Duke 2–0–1, NCSU 1–1–1, UNC 1–2, WF 1–2 NCSU 10–3 Duke 17–13 UNC 23–3 Tie 25–25 WF 22–21 Duke 27–20
1970 Wake Forest Wake 3–0, UNC 2–1, Duke 1–2, NCSU 0–3 UNC 19–0 UNC 59–34 WF 14–13 Duke 22–6 WF 16–13 WF 28–14
1971 North Carolina UNC 3–0, NCSU 1–2, Duke 1–2, WF 1–2 UNC 27–7 UNC 38–0 UNC 7–3 Duke 41–13 NCSU 21–14 WF 23–7
1972 North Carolina UNC 3–0, NCSU 2–1, WF 1–2, Duke 0–3 UNC 34–33 UNC 14–0 UNC 21–0 NCSU 17–0 NCSU 42–13 WF 9–7
1973 NC State NCSU 3–0, Duke 1–1–1, UNC 1–2, WF 0–2–1 NCSU 28–26 Duke 27–10 UNC 42–0 NCSU 21–3 NCSU 52–13 Tie 7–7
1974 North Carolina UNC 3–0, NCSU 2–1, Duke 1–2, WF 0–3 UNC 33–14 UNC 14–13 UNC 31–0 NCSU 35–21 NCSU 33–15 Duke 23–7
1975 Wake Forest WF 2–1, Duke 1–0–2, NCSU 1–1–1, UNC 0–2–1 NCSU 21–20 Tie 17–17 WF 21–9 Tie 21–21 WF 30–22 Duke 42–14
1976 North Carolina† UNC 2–1, WF 2–1, NCSU 1–2, Duke 1–2 NCSU 21–13 UNC 39–38 UNC 34–14 Duke 28–14 WF 20–18 WF 38–17
1977 North Carolina UNC 3–0, NCSU 2–1, Duke 1–2, WF 0–3 UNC 27–14 UNC 16–3 UNC 24–3 NCSU 37–32 NCSU 41–14 Duke 38–14
1978 NC State NCSU 3–0, UNC 2–1, Duke 1–2, WF 0–3 NCSU 34–7 UNC 16–15 UNC 34–29 NCSU 24–10 NCSU 34–10 Duke 3–0
1979 Split UNC, NCSU, WF UNC 2–1, NCSU 2–1, WF 2–1, Duke 0–3 UNC 35–21 UNC 37–16 WF 24–19 NCSU 28–7 NCSU 17–14 WF 17–14
1980 North Carolina UNC 3–0, WF 2–1, NCSU 1–2, Duke 0–3 UNC 28–8 UNC 44–21 UNC 27–9 NCSU 38–21 WF 27–7 WF 27–24
1981 North Carolina UNC 3–0, Duke 2–1, NCSU 1–2, WF 0–3 UNC 21–10 UNC 31–10 UNC 48–10 Duke 17–7 NCSU 28–3 Duke 31–10
1982 Split UNC, NCSU, Duke UNC 2–1, NCSU 2–1, Duke 2–1, WF 0–3 UNC 41–9 Duke 23–17 UNC 24–7 NCSU 21–16 NCSU 30–0 Duke 46–26
1983 North Carolina UNC 3–0, Duke 2–1, NCSU 1–2, WF 0–3 UNC 42–14 UNC 34–27 UNC 30–10 Duke 27–26 NCSU 38–15 Duke 31–21
1984 Wake Forest WF 3–0, UNC 2–1, Duke 1–2, NCSU 0–3 UNC 28–21 UNC 17–15 WF 14–3 Duke 16–13 WF 24–15 WF 20–16
1985 Duke† UNC 2–1, Duke 2–1, NCSU 1–2, WF 1–2 UNC 21–14 Duke 23–21 UNC 34–14 Duke 31–19 NCSU 20–17 WF 27–7
1986 NC State NCSU 3–0, UNC 2–1, Duke 1–2, WF 0–3 NCSU 35–34 UNC 42–35 UNC 40–30 NCSU 29–15 NCSU 42–38 Duke 38–36
1987 Wake Forest WF 3–0, UNC 1–2, NCSU 1–2, Duke 1–2 UNC 17–14 Duke 25–10 WF 22–14 NCSU 47–45 WF 21–3 WF 30–27
1988 NC State NCSU 2–0–1, WF 2–1, Duke 1–1–1, UNC 0–3 NCSU 48–3 Duke 35–29 WF 42–24 Tie 43–43 NCSU 14–6 WF 35–16
1989 Duke Duke 3–0, NCSU 2–1, WF 1–2, UNC 0–3 NCSU 40–6 Duke 41–0 WF 17–16 Duke 35–26 NCSU 27–17 Duke 52–35
1990 NC State NCSU 3–0, UNC 2–1, Duke 1–2, WF 0–3 NCSU 12–9 UNC 24–22 UNC 31–24 NCSU 16–0 NCSU 20–15 Duke 57–20
1991 NC State NCSU 3–0, UNC 2–1, WF 1–2, Duke 0–3 NCSU 24–7 UNC 47–14 UNC 24–10 NCSU 32–31 NCSU 30–3 WF 31–14
1992 NC State NCSU 3–0, UNC 2–1, WF 1–2, Duke 0–3 NCSU 27–20 UNC 31–28 UNC 35–17 NCSU 45–27 NCSU 42–14 WF 28–14
1993 North Carolina UNC 3–0, Duke 2–1, NCSU 1–2, WF 0–3 UNC 35–14 UNC 38–24 UNC 45–35 Duke 21–20 NCSU 34–16 Duke 21–13
1994 North Carolina UNC 3–0, Duke 2–1, NCSU 1–2, WF 0–3 UNC 31–17 UNC 41–40 UNC 50–0 NCSU 24–23 NCSU 31–3 Duke 51–26
1995 North Carolina UNC 3–0, NCSU 2–1, Duke 1–2, WF 0–3 UNC 30–28 UNC 28–24 UNC 31–7 NCSU 24–23 NCSU 41–38 Duke 42–26
1996 North Carolina UNC 3–0, NCSU 2–1, WF 1–2, Duke 0–3 UNC 52–20 UNC 27–10 UNC 45–6 NCSU 44–22 NCSU 37–22 WF 17–16
1997 North Carolina UNC 3–0, WF 2–1, NCSU 1–2, Duke 0–3 UNC 20–7 UNC 50–14 UNC 30–12 NCSU 45–14 WF 19–18 WF 38–24
1998 North Carolina UNC 3–0, NCSU 2–1, Duke 1–2, WF 0–3 UNC 37–34 UNC 28–6 UNC 38–31 NCSU 27–24 NCSU 38–27 Duke 19–16
1999 Wake Forest† UNC 2–1, WF 2–1, NCSU 1–2, Duke 1–2 UNC 10–6 UNC 38–0 WF 19–3 NCSU 31–24 WF 31–7 Duke 48–35
2000 NC State NCSU 3–0, UNC 2–1, WF 1–2, Duke 0–3 NCSU 38–20 UNC 59–21 UNC 35–14 NCSU 35–31 NCSU 32–14 WF 28–26
2001 Split UNC, NCSU, WF UNC 2–1, NCSU 2–1, WF 2–1, Duke 0–3 UNC 17–9 UNC 52–17 WF 32–31 NCSU 55–31 NCSU 17–14 WF 42–35
2002 NC State NCSU 3–0, WF 2–1, UNC 1–2, Duke 0–3 NCSU 34–17 UNC 23–21 WF 31–0 NCSU 24–22 NCSU 32–13 WF 36–10
2003 Wake Forest† NCSU 2–1, WF 2–1, UNC 1–2, Duke 1–2 NCSU 47–34 Duke 30–22 UNC 42–34 NCSU 28–21 WF 38–24 WF 42–13
2004 North Carolina* UNC 3–0, NCSU 1–1, WF 1–2, Duke 0–2 UNC 30–24 UNC 40–17 UNC 31–24 N/a NCSU 27–21OT WF 34–22
2005 Split UNC, WF* UNC 2–0, WF 2–0, NCSU 0–2, Duke 0–2 UNC 31–24 UNC 24–21 N/a N/a WF 27–19 WF 44–6
2006 Wake Forest* WF 3–0, UNC 2–1, NCSU 0–2, Duke 0–2 UNC 23–9 UNC 45–44 WF 24–17 N/a WF 25–23 WF 14–13
2007 Wake Forest* WF 3–0, NCSU 1–1, UNC 1–2, Duke 0–2 NCSU 31–27 UNC 20–14 WF 37–10 N/a WF 38–18 WF 41–36
2008 NC State* NCSU 3–0, UNC 1–1, WF 1–1, Duke 0–3 NCSU 41–10 UNC 28–20 N/a NCSU 27–17 NCSU 21–17 WF 33–30
2009 Wake Forest* WF 2–0, UNC 1–1, NCSU 1–2, Duke 1–2 NCSU 29–27 UNC 19–6 N/a Duke 49–28 WF 30–24 WF 45–34
2010 NC State* NCSU 2–0, UNC 1–1, WF 1–1, Duke 0–2 NCSU 29–25 UNC 24–19 N/a N/a NCSU 38–3 WF 54–48
2011 North Carolina†* UNC 2–1, WF 2–1, NCSU 1–1, Duke 0–2 NCSU 13–0 UNC 37–21 UNC 49–24 N/a WF 34–27 WF 24–23
2012 Duke* Duke 2–0, NCSU 1–1, WF 1–2, UNC 1–2 UNC 43–35 Duke 33–30 WF 28–27 N/a NCSU 37–6 Duke 34–27
2013 Duke* Duke 3–0, UNC 1–1, WF 1–1, NCSU 0–3 UNC 27–19 Duke 27–25 N/a Duke 38–20 WF 28–13 Duke 28–21
2014 NC State* NCSU 2–0, Duke 1–1, UNC 1–1, WF 0–2 NCSU 35–7 UNC 45–20 N/a N/a NCSU 42–13 Duke 41–21
2015 North Carolina* UNC 3–0, NCSU 1–1, Duke 1–1, WF 0–3 UNC 45–35 UNC 66–33 UNC 50–14 N/a NCSU 35–17 Duke 27–21
2016 NC State* NCSU 2–0, WF 1–1, Duke 1–1, UNC 0–2 NCSU 28–21 Duke 28–27 N/a N/a NCSU 33–16 WF 24–14
2017 Duke* Duke 2–0, NCSU 1–1, WF 1–1, UNC 0–2 NCSU 34–28OT Duke 27–17 N/a N/a WF 27–23 Duke 31–23
2018 Wake Forest* WF 2–0, NCSU 1–1, Duke 1–1, UNC 0–2 NCSU 33–21 Duke 45–35 N/a N/a WF 30–24 WF 59–7
2019 Wake Forest* WF 3–0, UNC 2–1, NCSU 0–2, Duke 0–2 UNC 41–10 UNC 20–17 WF 24–18 N/a WF 44–10 WF 39–27
2020 North Carolina* UNC 3–0, NCSU 2–1, Duke 0–2, WF 0–2 UNC 48–21 UNC 56–24 UNC 59–53* NCSU 31–20 NCSU 45–42 Canceled[8]
2021 North Carolina†* UNC 2–1, WF 2–1, NCSU 1–1, Duke 0–2 NCSU 34–30 UNC 38–7 UNC 58–55 N/a WF 45–42 WF 45–7
2022 NC State* NCSU 2–0, UNC 2–1, Duke 1–1, WF 0–3 NCSU 30–272OT UNC 38–35 UNC 36–34 N/a NCSU 30–21 Duke 34–31
2023 Duke†* Duke 2–1, NCSU 2–1, UNC 1–1, WF 0–2 NCSU 39–20 UNC 47–452OT N/a Duke 24–3 NCSU 26–6 Duke 24–21
2024 Duke Duke 3–0, NCSU 1–2, UNC 1–2, WF 1–2 NCSU 35–30 Duke 21–20 UNC 31–24 Duke 29–19 WF 34–30 Duke 23–17
2025 Duke Duke 3–0, NCSU 2–1, WF 1–2, UNC 0–3 NCSU 42–19 Duke 32–25 WF 28–12 Duke 45–33 NCSU 34–24 Duke 49–32

† indicates tiebreakers are determined by who won head-to-head matchup. With no trophy, it is possible to split the title 3 or 4 ways


* Indicates years where not all contests were held

  • The 2020 UNC-Wake Forest Game did not count as an ACC Conference Win
Records
Team Championships Championship years Shared Champs Shared Champs Years
North Carolina 31 1928, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1934, 1937, 1947†, 1948, 1949, 1959, 1963, 1964†, 1971, 1972, 1976†, 1977, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2004*, 2011†*, 2015*, 2020, 2021†* 9 1925, 1926, 1940, 1942, 1946*, 1979, 1982, 2001, 2005*
Duke 28 1932, 1933, 1935, 1936, 1938, 1939, 1943*, 1944†*, 1945*, 1952*, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1958, 1960†, 1961, 1962, 1969, 1985†, 1989, 2012*, 2013*, 2017*, 2023†*, 2024, 2025 3 1940, 1942, 1982
NC State 20 1927, 1957, 1965†, 1966*, 1967, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1992, 2000, 2002, 2008*, 2010*, 2014*, 2016*, 2022* 7 1925, 1926, 1942, 1946*, 1979, 1982, 2001
Wake Forest 14 1924, 1950, 1951, 1970, 1975, 1984, 1987, 1999†, 2003†, 2006*, 2007*, 2009*, 2018*, 2019* 7 1925, 1926, 1940, 1942, 1979, 2001, 2005*

Baseball

[edit]

In baseball, the four schools won a combined 15 ACC Baseball Tournaments (UNC won 6, NC State and Wake won 4, Duke won 1). In the College World Series, Wake Forest held the only national championship of any ACC school while a member of the ACC in 1955 until Virginia won it in 2015. Other schools have national championships, but all came before joining the ACC, or since leaving the ACC in the case of South Carolina. Wake was the runner-up in 1949, while UNC was the runner-up in 2006 and 2007.

Soccer

[edit]

In men's soccer, the four schools have won a combined four national titles (UNC has 2, Wake has 1, Duke has 1), three NCAA runners-up (Duke with 2, UNC with 1), 11 ACC Tournament titles, and won or shared 7 ACC regular season titles. Women's soccer has produced much more success among the four schools. On the national level, they have combined for 21 national championships (UNC won all 21), six NCAA runners-up (UNC with 3, Duke with 2, NC State with 1). Tobacco Road teams have won 22 ACC tournaments since its inception in 1987. The years not won by a Tobacco Road team are 1987, 2004, 2011, 2012, and 2013. They have also won or shared 20 ACC regular season titles since 1987. UNC's 21 national titles in women's soccer are the most among Division 1 schools.

Lacrosse

[edit]

Only Duke and North Carolina currently compete in men's and women's lacrosse, though NC State had a program in the 1970s and 1980s. The current two Tobacco Road competitors have had a significant presence on the national stage, as the Blue Devils have won three national titles (2010, 2013, 2014), while the Tar Heels lay claim to five (1981, 1982, 1986, 1991, 2016).[9] Duke and North Carolina have met 81 times, with UNC leading the rivalry 44–37 through 2024. However, Duke leads the ACC and NCAA postseason series by records of 9–4 and 4–0 respectively. For further information, see Duke–North Carolina lacrosse rivalry.

Overall team national championships

[edit]

As of 2020, the four schools have combined to win 73 NCAA team national championships in both men's and women's sports.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tobacco Road (rivalry)

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from Grokipedia
Tobacco Road is a term denoting the epicenter of college basketball rivalries in North Carolina, encompassing the four Atlantic Coast Conference universities—Duke University in Durham, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University in Raleigh, and Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem—that have collectively shaped the sport's prominence in the region. These institutions, located within a roughly 65-mile radius in the state's Piedmont area, foster intense interscholastic competition, particularly in men's basketball, where their games draw national attention and embody regional pride. The moniker derives from the area's historical tobacco farming industry, adapted from Erskine Caldwell's 1932 novel Tobacco Road to symbolize this basketball hotbed in the American South. The rivalries trace their roots to the early , when gained traction in ahead of much of the South; the first intercollegiate game south of the Mason-Dixon Line occurred on March 2, 1905, between Trinity College (now ) and Wake Forest. By the mid-1900s, the "Big Four" label emerged for these schools, with their proximity fueling annual showdowns that elevated the programs under pioneering coaches like at NC State and Eddie Cameron at . The Atlantic Coast Conference's formation in 1953 formalized their competition, amplifying the stakes as Tobacco Road teams dominated Southern , producing stars such as UNC's , 's , NC State's David Thompson, and Wake Forest's . Among the most storied is the Duke–UNC matchup, known as the fiercest Tobacco Road clash, with the Tar Heels leading the all-time series 145–120 as of the end of the 2024–25 season after 265 meetings since 1922. Collectively, these programs boast 13 NCAA men's titles—six for UNC (1957, 1982, 1993, 2005, 2009, 2017), five for (1991, 1992, 2001, 2010, 2015), and two for NC State (1974, 1983)—along with 43 appearances. Wake Forest, though without a title, reached the 1962 under coach Charles "Bones" McKinney. Iconic moments include UNC's 1974 overtime miracle against , the 1991 East Regional final where Duke's Laettner hit "," the 2022 thriller where UNC defeated 81–77 in retiring coach Mike Krzyzewski's last game, and 's advancement to the 2025 . These rivalries extend to other sports like football and but remain synonymous with 's passion, influencing the NCAA landscape and inspiring generations of fans.

Background

Origins of the Term

The term "Tobacco Road" originates from Erskine Caldwell's 1932 novel depicting rural Southern poverty, but was adopted in to describe the tobacco-farming region through which U.S. Highway 70—a major route established in the early —runs, dominating the local economy since the post-Civil War era. This nickname evoked the area's agricultural landscape, where tobacco fields and warehouses lined the highway, symbolizing both prosperity and the rural poverty often associated with in the South. In the sports context, the phrase first gained traction in the mid-to-late 1930s and early 1940s through state newspapers, where sportswriters applied it to describe the burgeoning rivalries among colleges in the tobacco-growing corridor, particularly within the . Durham Morning Herald columnist Jack Horner helped popularize its use in the 1940s to capture the intensity of local intercollegiate games, framing the competition as a distinctly regional phenomenon tied to the area's cultural and economic identity. The term evolved to specifically denote the interconnected rivalries among the four core universities—Duke, North Carolina, North Carolina State, and Wake Forest—beginning prominently with the inception of the Dixie Classic tournament in 1949. Hosted annually by North Carolina State in Raleigh's , this holiday event brought together the local schools alongside national powerhouses, amplifying the competitive fervor and cementing "Tobacco Road" as shorthand for elite in the region. The establishment of the Big Four Tournament in 1971 further entrenched the nickname, providing a dedicated showcase for matchups among these institutions and highlighting their shared geographic and historical bonds.

Participating Universities

The Tobacco Road rivalries center on four prominent universities in North Carolina: , the at Chapel Hill (UNC), (NC State), and . These institutions, all members of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) since its founding in 1953, foster intense athletic competitions due to their geographic proximity in the central part of the , often referred to as the area for the first three, with Wake Forest slightly farther west; the average distance between their campuses is approximately 50-60 miles. Each university maintains robust athletic programs, emphasizing a wide array of sports that contribute to the region's storied rivalries. Duke University, situated in Durham, was established in 1838 as Union Institute and later renamed in honor of industrialist James Buchanan Duke. It enrolls about 6,523 undergraduate students and fields 27 varsity teams under the nickname Blue Devils, competing across men's and women's sports in the ACC. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, located in Chapel Hill and founded in 1789 as the nation's first , has an undergraduate enrollment of roughly 21,075 students. Its athletic teams, known as the Tar Heels, participate in 28 sports, reflecting the school's commitment to comprehensive intercollegiate athletics within the ACC framework. North Carolina State University, based in Raleigh and chartered in 1887 as the North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, serves approximately 28,422 undergraduates. The Wolfpack moniker identifies its 22 varsity squads in , which span a variety of disciplines and uphold the university's land-grant tradition through athletic excellence. Wake Forest University, in Winston-Salem and originally founded in 1834 as Wake Forest Institute, has around 5,490 undergraduate students. Its athletic program, featuring the Demon Deacons nickname, includes 18 teams that compete vigorously in the ACC, balancing academic rigor with competitive sports participation.

Basketball

Men's Basketball

The men's basketball rivalry along Tobacco Road, encompassing the (UNC), , (NC State), and , has profoundly shaped since the early 20th century, with the four programs—known collectively as the Big Four—fostering intense competition through historic tournaments and regular-season clashes. These institutions have combined for 13 championships, including UNC's six titles in 1957, 1982, 1993, 2005, 2009, and 2017; Duke's five in 1991, 1992, 2001, 2010, and 2015; and NC State's two in 1974 and 1983. Their programs have also amassed 44 Final Four appearances, with UNC leading at 21, followed by Duke's 18, NC State's four (1950, 1974, 1983, and 2024), and Wake Forest's one (1962). This dominance underscores Tobacco Road's status as a hotbed of elite talent and strategic innovation, influencing national trends in recruiting, coaching, and fan engagement. Duke reached the in 2025 without legendary coach . Early highlights of the rivalry included the Dixie Classic, an annual preseason tournament from 1949 to 1960 held in Raleigh's , which featured the Big Four alongside four out-of-state teams in a format that included round-robin games among all participants to determine the . NC State captured seven titles during its run, while UNC secured three, including the 1957 edition where the Tar Heels went undefeated in the event en route to their first NCAA championship. The tournament ended amid gambling scandals but solidified the Big Four's regional prominence. It was revived in spirit by the Big Four Tournament from 1971 to 1981 in Greensboro, which used a single-elimination format: each team drew an initial opponent, with winners advancing to the championship game and losers to the consolation. Wake Forest led with four victories, NC State won three, and both UNC and claimed two apiece, fostering early-season intensity among the rivals. Among the individual rivalries, and Wake Forest hold the distinction of the oldest series, beginning in the 1922-23 season with approximately 144 meetings as of 2025, marked by Wake's early successes in the and 's later dominance. The UNC- matchup, dubbed the "Holy War" for its cultural and competitive fervor, also originated in 1922 and has seen over 250 s, with the series nearly even at 143-117 in favor of UNC as of March 2025. Postseason encounters among Tobacco Road teams are rare, with the most notable being the 2022 NCAA semifinal, where eighth-seeded UNC upset top-seeded 81-77 in Coach Mike Krzyzewski's final , ending a tournament drought for inter-rivalry clashes that dated back decades. Iconic coaches have defined the era, including UNC's , who amassed 879 wins and two NCAA titles from 1961 to 1997, pioneering innovations like the ; Duke's , with 1,202 victories and five championships over 42 seasons through 2022; and NC State's , whose 1983 Cinderella run to the title included a 54-52 upset of in the final. For Wake Forest's early prominence, coach Murray Greason guided the Deacons in the 1920s and 1930s, laying foundational rivalries before the program's 1962 under . In the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), formed in 1953, Tobacco Road scheduling ensures each pair meets at least once annually, with protected home-and-away series for key matchups like UNC-Duke and NC State-Wake Forest in the 18-game format adopted for 2025-26.

Women's Basketball

The women's basketball programs along Tobacco Road emerged in the early 1970s following the passage of Title IX in 1972, which expanded opportunities for female athletes. Duke University launched its varsity team in 1973, Wake Forest in 1973, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) in 1974, and North Carolina State University (NC State) in 1974. These programs quickly integrated into the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), fostering intense rivalries that parallel the storied men's competition, with annual matchups emphasizing regional pride and competitive balance. Key achievements have elevated the rivalry's profile nationally. UNC claimed its lone NCAA Championship in 1994, defeating Louisiana Tech 60-59 on Charlotte Smith's buzzer-beating three-pointer in the title game under coach , who led the Tar Heels to 1,013 wins over 33 seasons. Duke reached the Final Four in 2006, falling to 78-75 in overtime in the championship game during Gail ' tenure, and advanced to the Elite Eight in 2007 before a loss to UConn. NC State made a remarkable run to the 2024 Final Four under head coach , starting unranked and upsetting higher seeds en route to a 79-75 semifinal loss to , marking the program's first appearance since 1998. Influential coaches like Hatchell at UNC, Joanne P. at (444 wins from 2007-2018), and Kay Yow at NC State (a 737-344 record over 34 seasons, with four ACC titles) shaped the era's success and rivalry dynamics. The programs have dominated ACC Tournament play, combining for over 20 titles that underscore the rivalry's depth. UNC holds a conference-leading 11 tournament championships, Duke has secured 9 (most recently in 2025 with a 76-62 victory over NC State), and NC State has claimed 4, including three straight from 2020-2022. Rivalry games occur annually, often twice per season, mirroring the men's scheduling and drawing packed crowds for high-stakes battles; notable upsets include NC State's 76-66 semifinal win over UNC in the 2023 ACC Tournament, propelled by Elissa Cunane's 23 points. Wake Forest, while less dominant, contributes to the intraconference intensity through consistent participation. Post-2024 developments highlight NC State's rising prominence, with finishing 28-7 in 2024-25, capturing the ACC regular-season title, and earning a No. 9 preseason ranking for 2025-26 amid expectations of a potential dynasty under Moore. Returning stars like Zoe Brooks (ACC Preseason Player of the Year) and strong recruiting position NC State for sustained contention, intensifying Tobacco Road matchups against resurgent UNC (23-10 in 2024-25) and (25-8, ACC Tournament champions).

Football

Historical Rivalries

The football rivalries among the (UNC), , (NC State), and trace their origins to the late , forming the core of intrastate competition in . The oldest matchup is between UNC and Wake Forest, which began on October 18, 1888, in Raleigh—the first intercollegiate football game played in the state—with Wake Forest securing a 6-4 victory. As of November 2025, following Wake Forest's 28–12 win on November 15, UNC holds a series lead of 73–37–2 over Wake Forest. The Duke-UNC series, one of the most played rivalries in with over 110 meetings, commenced on November 27, 1889, when Trinity College (now ) defeated UNC 16-0. This matchup gained added significance in with the introduction of the Victory Bell, a 900-pound cast-iron bell donated by the schools' alumni associations and awarded annually to the winner; UNC claimed the inaugural bell after a 20-0 victory that year. As of the end of 2024, UNC leads the all-time series 65–41–4 (next meeting scheduled for , 2025). The UNC-NC State rivalry followed in 1894, starting with a 34-0 UNC win in Raleigh, and has evolved into one of the state's most heated contests despite lacking a dedicated ; as of the end of 2024, UNC maintains the edge at 68–40–6 (next meeting November 29, 2025). and NC State first clashed on September 26, 1924, with holding a 44–37–5 advantage as of September 2025, following a 45–33 victory in their most recent encounter. These rivalries were further embedded in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) framework upon its formation on June 14, 1953, as all four schools served as charter members alongside Clemson, Maryland, and South Carolina (which departed shortly after). Intrastate scheduling protections within the ACC ensured frequent play among the quartet, heightening tensions and regional pride. The 1960s and 1970s marked a golden era of collective dominance for these programs in the ACC, with NC State capturing seven conference titles (1957, 1963 co, 1964, 1965 co, 1968, 1973, 1979), UNC securing five (1963 co, 1971, 1972, 1977, 1980), Duke seven (1953 co, 1954, 1955 co, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1989 co), and Wake Forest two (1970, 2006), often decided in head-to-head clashes. Subsequent conference expansions, including Florida State in 1991 and Georgia Tech in 1992, expanded the league to nine teams and reshaped rotations but preserved the Tobacco Road matchups as annual fixtures or protected series, sustaining their historical intensity. Collectively, the four universities have claimed 21 ACC football championships, underscoring their foundational role in the conference's early success.

Conference and Bowl Achievements

The four Tobacco Road universities—University of North Carolina (UNC), North Carolina State (NC State), , and Wake Forest—have collectively secured 21 (ACC) football championships as of the 2024 season, with NC State and each claiming 7, UNC 5, and Wake Forest 2. These titles underscore the programs' historical competitiveness within the conference, particularly during the mid-20th century when NC State won four between 1963 and 1968 under coach Earle Edwards, and captured three outright or shared from 1953 to 1962 led by . Wake Forest's victories came in 1970 and 2006, the latter marking their only appearance in the ACC Championship Game until a runner-up finish in 2021 after winning the Atlantic Division. In postseason play, the schools have amassed 102 bowl appearances as of the end of the 2024 season, highlighting sustained success in achieving eligibility and competing at a national level. UNC leads with 33 appearances and a 14-19 record, followed by NC State with 33 (16-17), while and Wake Forest each have 18 ( 9-9, Wake Forest 11-7). Standout performances include UNC's 1949 appearance against , NC State's 49-13 victory over in 1972, and multiple outings across the programs, such as UNC's 35-0 win over in 1963, NC State's 1947 matchup, 's 1953 triumph over , and Wake Forest's 1946 debut win against . Recent developments reflect evolving fortunes, with Wake Forest reaching the after an 11-3 regular season but falling 45-21 to , and NC State securing in 2024 with a 6-6 record before a 26-21 loss to East Carolina in the . Coaching icons have been pivotal, notably at NC State from 1972 to 1975, where he posted a 33-13-2 record, won the 1973 ACC title, and led to four consecutive bowls, establishing a foundation for sustained contention. The programs' home venues further amplify their presence, exemplified by UNC's Kenan Stadium, which seats 50,500 and has hosted key conference clashes since 1927.

Other Sports

Baseball

The baseball programs at , (UNC), North Carolina State (NC State), and Wake Forest have fueled the Tobacco Road rivalries through fierce (ACC) competition since the league's founding in 1953. These four schools have collectively claimed 18 ACC tournament titles as of 2024, with UNC securing 8, NC State 4, Wake Forest 4, and 2. This success has intensified intrastate matchups, where regional pride often elevates the stakes beyond conference standings, contributing to a tradition of high-caliber play in one of college 's most talent-rich areas. Wake Forest's 1955 College World Series victory stands as the group's lone national championship, a landmark achievement that highlighted the Demon Deacons' early dominance. Coached by Taylor Sanford, the team advanced through the NCAA tournament by defeating Rollins and in regionals before clinching the title with a 7-5 win over in the finals in . This triumph, powered by key performances from players like pitcher Jack McGinley, remains a cornerstone of Wake Forest's program and the only CWS crown among the Tobacco Road quartet. Annual rivalry series, such as the Tobacco Road Series between UNC and NC State, exemplify the ongoing intensity, with games often drawing large crowds to showcase top-tier pitching and hitting. These intrastate contests, played regularly within the ACC schedule, foster a "civil war" atmosphere among fans and players alike. Notable contributors include UNC catcher , a 2006 Freshman All-American who hit a memorable grand slam in the 2007 CWS and was selected in the seventh round of the 2008 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox. Modern facilities enhance the rivalry's appeal, including UNC's Boshamer Stadium, a 4,100-seat venue renovated in 2008 with premium amenities and a UNC Baseball Hall of Honor, and NC State's Doak Field at Dail Park, which opened in 1966 and underwent a $6 million upgrade in 2003 to boost capacity and fan experience. Postseason history further cements the programs' legacy, with over 20 combined appearances: UNC with 12 (most recently in 2024), NC State with 5 (most recently in 2024), and both and Wake Forest with 3 (Wake Forest's latest in 2023). These deep regional and super regional runs have produced numerous All-ACC honors and MLB prospects, reinforcing Tobacco Road's status as a baseball hotbed.

Soccer

The soccer rivalry among the Tobacco Road universities—North Carolina (UNC), Duke, North Carolina State (NC State), and Wake Forest—has contributed significantly to the sport's expansion in the region, particularly through UNC's unparalleled women's program, which established a dynasty that elevated college soccer's profile nationwide and inspired youth participation in North Carolina. This dominance, coupled with competitive men's matchups, has fostered intense local derbies, drawing large crowds and producing professional talent for (MLS) and the (NWSL). The rivalries emphasize tactical, high-stakes play, with UNC and Duke's annual clashes often deciding (ACC) standings. In men's soccer, the Tobacco Road schools have collectively secured four NCAA Division I national championships, highlighting their competitive depth despite UNC's limited success compared to the women's side. UNC claimed titles in 2001 and 2011, defeating UCLA and UCLA respectively in the finals. Duke captured its lone championship in 1986 under player John Kerr, defeating Akron 1-0 in the final, marking the Blue Devils' only national crown. Wake Forest added to the tally with a 2007 victory over UNC, 2-1, in the championship match. These achievements underscore the rivalry's intensity, particularly the Duke-UNC series, which dates to the and has seen 74 meetings, with UNC holding a historical edge of 39-28-7 as of 2025. The combined programs have won more than 40 ACC regular-season and tournament titles, including multiple shared crowns among the four schools. Women's soccer in Tobacco Road is synonymous with UNC's dynasty under legendary coach , who retired in 2024 after 45 seasons with a record 934 wins—the most in NCAA women's soccer history—and 21 NCAA national titles from 1982 to 2023. The Tar Heels secured nine consecutive NCAA championships from 1982 to 1990, a streak unmatched in the sport, and added their 22nd title in 2024 with a 1-0 win over Wake Forest. All 22 NCAA titles belong to UNC, spanning 1982 to 2024 and establishing the program as the gold standard for women's college soccer (plus the 1981 AIAW title for 23 total national championships). UNC alone has claimed over 25 ACC titles, contributing to the four schools' combined total exceeding 40 conference championships. , Wake Forest, and NC State have provided stiff competition, with recent NCAA Tournament appearances, including Wake Forest's 2024 runner-up finish. Key figures have shaped these rivalries, including Dorrance at UNC, whose innovative coaching philosophy emphasized possession and player development, leading to 24 ACC regular-season titles. On the men's side, Duke's John Kerr Jr., a former Blue Devil All-American and 1986 Hermann Trophy winner, has coached since 2007, compiling a 173-111-45 record and guiding the team to multiple NCAA appearances. The Duke-UNC men's rivalry, ongoing since the 1950s, remains a cornerstone, often featuring in ACC tournaments and drawing regional attention. The programs' international impact is evident in their alumni pipelines to professional leagues, with UNC alone placing 11 players on 2023 NWSL opening-day rosters and numerous others in MLS. Iconic figures like UNC's , a two-time champion and NWSL pioneer, exemplify this legacy, while recent signees from (e.g., Ella Hase to Louisville) and Wake Forest (e.g., Zara Chavoshi to ) continue the trend. Overall, these rivalries have boosted soccer's growth in the region, with ACC schools contributing 58 players to 2024 NWSL playoff rosters.

Lacrosse

The Tobacco Road rivalry extends to , where and the at Chapel Hill (UNC) have established themselves as dominant forces in both men's and women's programs, contributing to the sport's rising prominence in the region. Since the early 2000s, has experienced significant growth in , with high school participation increasing by over 300% from 2000 to 2020, driven by successful collegiate programs and expanded youth leagues that have made the state a key hub for talent development. This surge has intensified the Duke-UNC matchup, a premier rivalry dating back to the but gaining national attention through high-stakes ACC and NCAA contests, exemplified by their 17-16 overtime thriller in the 2016 regular season. In men's lacrosse, and UNC have collectively claimed eight national championships, underscoring their prowess within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). secured three titles—all since —under head coach , who has led the Blue Devils to victories in , , and , including back-to-back crowns in the latter two years. UNC has won five NCAA titles (1981, 1982, 1986, 1991, and 2016), with the most recent coming in a dramatic 14-13 overtime defeat of in the championship game. Together, the programs have dominated the ACC, capturing over 20 regular-season conference titles, with UNC holding 14 and 10, often splitting the honors in intense Tobacco Road battles that highlight the league's depth. The women's programs further amplify the rivalry's intensity, with UNC emerging as a powerhouse under head coach Jenny Levy, who has guided the Tar Heels to four NCAA championships since 2013 (2013, 2016, 2022, and 2025), including an undefeated 22-0 season capped by a 12-8 win over Northwestern in the 2025 final. Duke has reached seven NCAA Final Fours (1999, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2015) but has yet to claim a national title, often falling in semifinal matchups against top ACC foes like UNC. These encounters, known for their physicality and skill, mirror the broader Tobacco Road tradition of field-sport rivalries, such as soccer, while emphasizing lacrosse's unique stick-and-contact dynamics. The coaches' long tenures—Danowski since 2006 at and Levy since 1997 at UNC—have fostered sustained excellence, producing numerous All-Americans and professional talents that bolster the sport's regional footprint.

National Championships

By University

Duke University has secured 17 NCAA team national championships across various sports as of November 2025. The Blue Devils' successes span multiple disciplines, with notable achievements including five titles in men's basketball (1991, 1992, 2001, 2010, 2015), three in men's (2010, 2013, 2014), one in (2009), seven in women's golf (1999, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2014, 2015, 2019), and one in men's soccer (1986). The at Chapel Hill holds the highest tally among the Tobacco Road institutions with 48 NCAA team national championships as of November 2025. This dominance is driven by 22 titles in women's soccer (1983–2012 and 2024), six in men's (1957, 1982, 1993, 2005, 2009, 2017), 10 in (1989, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2007, 2009, 2018, 2020, 2023, 2024), three in men's soccer (2001, 2011, 2022), five in men's lacrosse (1982, 1986, 1991, 2016, 2024), one in (1994), and one in (2023), among others including four in (1995 and 2025). North Carolina State University has claimed five NCAA team national championships as of November 2025, with highlights including two in men's basketball (1974, 1983) and three in women's cross country (2017, 2018, 2019). also recognizes pre-NCAA achievements, such as the 1988 AIAW women's basketball title, but focuses here on NCAA team titles. Wake Forest University accounts for 11 NCAA team national championships as of November 2025. The Demon Deacons' victories include one in (1955), three in men's golf (1974, 1975, 1986), one in men's soccer (2007), two in men's tennis (2018, 2025), and three in (2002, 2003, 2004).

Overall Totals

The four universities comprising the Tobacco Road rivalry—Duke, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, and —have collectively amassed 81 team national championships across various sports as of November 2025. This impressive tally underscores the region's unparalleled concentration of athletic excellence within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), with the majority stemming from team-based disciplines like , soccer, , and . The dominance is particularly pronounced in men's , where the group accounts for 13 titles ( 5, UNC 6, NC State 2), alongside significant contributions from women's programs in soccer (22 titles, all UNC) and (13 titles: UNC 10, Wake Forest 3). No football national championships have been won by any of the four institutions, highlighting a gap in that sport despite strong conference performances. A breakdown by sport category reveals a heavy emphasis on team competitions, with over 90% of the total derived from collective efforts rather than individual events. For instance, and soccer represent the core of the achievements, fueled by iconic programs that have produced multiple appearances and tournament victories. In contrast, while individual accolades abound in track and , the focus here remains on team titles, which total 81 without adjustment for solo honors. This structure emphasizes collaborative success, aligning with the rivalry's cultural emphasis on high-stakes team rivalries. Comparatively, the Tobacco Road quartet outpaces other ACC clusters, contributing more than half of the conference's all-time NCAA team titles and surpassing the combined output of non-Tobacco Road ACC schools like Florida State (14) and (9). In certain eras, such as the and , their achievements exceed those of the former Pac-12's core programs in and emerging women's sports, despite the Pac-12's historical lead in overall titles driven by . The ACC as a whole has led all conferences with 23 team championships in its sponsored sports over the past three academic years (2022–2025), a streak largely propelled by Tobacco Road institutions. The surge in titles from the 1970s through the 2020s reflects broader trends in collegiate athletics, including the expansion of under and intensified investment in infrastructure. Early breakthroughs in men's —such as UNC's 1982 win, NC State's 1983 upset, and Duke's back-to-back titles in 1991–1992—set the foundation, while post-2000 growth in women's programs added depth, with UNC securing 22 soccer crowns and Wake Forest claiming three consecutive titles from 2002 to 2004. As of late 2025, ongoing contention in NC State highlights potential for further additions, though no new team titles have been confirmed this .

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  27. https://goheels.com/news/2020/12/9/unc-womens-basketball-history-records.aspx
  28. https://zsr.wfu.edu/special/collections/archives/wfu-timeline/?timeline=Athletics&type=tag
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  30. https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-women/article/2022-02-16/1994-womens-ncaa-tournament-north-carolinas-charlotte-smith-remembers-buzzer
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  37. https://www.foxnews.com/sports/acc-womens-basketball-championship-history
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  41. https://goheels.com/sports/football/opponent-history/wake-forest/14
  42. https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/401754596
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  44. https://goheels.com/sports/football/opponent-history/duke-university/59
  45. https://goheels.com/sports/football/opponent-history/nc-state/119
  46. https://gopack.com/sports/football/opponent-history/university-of-north-carolina/14
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  73. https://www.ncaa.com/history/soccer-men/d1
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  93. https://www.unc.edu/story/carolina-athletics/
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  95. https://gopack.com/sports/2015/4/27/GEN_20140101199
  96. https://theacc.com/news/2025/5/19/national-champions-wake-forest-wins-2025-ncaa-mens-tennis-championship.aspx
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