Sports Charlotte

Tobacco Road antagonists Duke and North Carolina will start the 2026-27 college basketball season in different circumstances. The Blue Devils are in the conversation as a national title contender while the Tar Heels are breaking in a new coach in Michael Malone. Who'll have the upper hand when March Madness rolls around?

Fabian Duncan is realizing his football dream in his hometown. The JC Smith running back is fourth in the nation among Division II rushers after four games and first in the CIAA. In this episode, Duncan discusses his journey from a three-year separation from football to earning SIAC player of the year at Allen University and transfer to JCSU.

Hough High remains atop the Magnificent Seven rankings, followed by Chambers, but there are some surprise teams like Palisades and Hopewell. Game of the week pits No. 5 Mallard Creek against No. 6 West Charlotte. Also: a shout out to Garinger High for doubling its 2025 win total under coach Jupiter Wilson.

The Carolina Panthers offense was solid, but the defense was far from sturdy in a 59-37 loss to the Chicago Bears in which defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero took the brunt of fans' ire. Can they recover against NFC South foe Atlanta to even their record at 1-1?

The 49ers, who lost to Citadel 43-41 in triple overtime, head to Oxford, Mississippi, for a game against No. 9-ranked Ole Miss. Does Charlotte have any hope of pulling off an upset a week after losing to an FCS team?