Oklahoma baseball head coach Skip Johnson recently offered high praise for the University of North Carolina (UNC) baseball program, highlighting its tradition of excellence, player development, and coaching consistency. As two storied programs prepared to meet in the NCAA postseason, Johnson’s remarks reflected both admiration and respect for what UNC has built over the years.
“North Carolina is one of those programs that you know is going to compete every year,” Johnson said during a recent press conference. “They’ve got a culture of winning, and they do things the right way—on and off the field.”
Johnson, who has led the Sooners since 2018 and guided them to a College World Series appearance in 2022, is no stranger to high-level baseball. His comments about UNC focused on the Tar Heels’ ability to remain competitive over decades, crediting the program’s leadership and deep recruiting base. He noted that UNC’s consistent postseason appearances are no accident, pointing to the program’s infrastructure, coaching staff, and player discipline as central to its sustained success.
“Coach Forbes and his staff have done a phenomenal job continuing the legacy over there,” Johnson said, referring to UNC head coach Scott Forbes, who took over the reins in 2021 after serving as a longtime assistant under former coach Mike Fox. “You can see it in how hard their guys play. They’re tough, they’re smart, and they play the game with a lot of heart.”
Johnson emphasized that what sets UNC apart isn’t just talent—it’s development. He praised the Tar Heels for their ability to mold young players into mature, game-ready athletes who can handle the rigors of college baseball at the highest level.
“They don’t just recruit good players—they make them better,” Johnson explained. “When you watch them on tape, the fundamentals are strong, the pitching is disciplined, and their situational hitting is advanced. That’s a testament to the coaching and the work those players put in every day.”
While Johnson is committed to bringing success to Oklahoma, his appreciation for programs like UNC underscores his broader respect for the game and its traditions. He noted that facing a team like North Carolina in postseason play is not just a challenge—it’s an opportunity to measure his squad against one of the nation’s best.
“These are the matchups you live for as a coach,” he said. “Going head-to-head with a team like UNC tests everything—your preparation, your mindset, your toughness. And we welcome that challenge.”
As the two teams prepare to clash, Johnson’s words serve as a reminder that in college baseball, respect is earned through consistency, character, and competition. And in his eyes, North Carolina has all three.
“Programs like that raise the bar,” Johnson concluded. “They push you to be better because you know you’re up against one of the best. And that’s what this game is all about.”
