North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson. Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

North Carolina's Caleb Wilson makes definitive statement after injury news

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Feb 12, 2026 8:23 PM ET

The North Carolina Tar Heels are down bad after the news that star freshman forward Caleb Wilson will be out for the rest of this season.

Wilson has been a superstar for UNC, and he's been the main driver behind Carolina's 19-5 record and No. 11 national ranking.

However, he suffered a hand injury in Tuesday's road loss to the Miami Hurricanes. On Thursday, the Tar Heels announced that Wilson is out indefinitely, and there's no timetable for a return.

That's terrible news for the Tar Heels, but Wilson didn't let the news fester for long before providing some hope on social media.

“I am grateful for whatever God is trying to tell me through this injury," he said on X. “I will be back Tar Heel Nation… I LOVE THIS TEAM AND PROGRAM."

Wilson is saying he'll be back. Whether he means he'll be back for a March Madness run or back next season is undetermined, but his passion for the Tar Heels is unquestionable.

I am grateful for whatever God is trying to tell me through this injury!!! I will be back Tarheel Nation… I LOVE THIS TEAM AND PROGRAM #StayTuned https://t.co/yFO7EMJ3EV
— Caleb Wilson (@CalebWilson2025) February 12, 2026

North Carolina Tar Heels may struggle without Caleb Wilson

One would imagine he'll do everything he can to get back in time for the NCAA Tournament, but that could be a tough ask with only seven regular-season games remaining.

This is a huge stretch of games, too, for the Tar Heels. Of those seven games, three are on the road. and three are against ranked opponents. They still have to play No. 24 Louisville, No. 20 Clemson and No. 4 Duke this season. The game against Duke is the regular-season finale, and it's at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Winning these games, even with Wilson, would have been tough. Without him? This could end up being a very tough stretch for North Carolina.

A 6-foot-10, 215-pound forward from Atlanta, Georgia, Wilson has averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists this season.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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