North Carolina guard Seth Trimble has gotten off to a stellar start this season, averaging 14.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. His leadership and production have contributed to improved team chemistry and performance, helping the No. 18 Tar Heels generate early buzz months after they barely reached the NCAA tournament the previous season.
However, Trimble sustained an arm injury that required surgery. This will force him to miss six to eight weeks, a setback that could affect North Carolina’s 2025-26 season. On Tuesday, a college basketball insider disclosed further details, offering more context on the situation.
College Basketball Insider Shares Further Details About Seth Trimble’s Injury
College basketball insider and Field of 68 co-owner Jeff Goodman disclosed more details of Trimble’s injury on social media, citing a source close to the Tar Heels’ coaching staff. The 6’3″ guard broke a bone in his left forearm on Sunday when a piece of workout equipment fell on him in the weight room.
The source told Field of 68 that Trimble was trapped under the machine and required four people to lift the equipment off him.
“He was grabbing the lat bar to stretch, he squatted down, pulled it down and the machine fell on him,” the source told Goodman. “It wasn’t bolted down at all.”
Trimble is in his fourth season with the Tar Heels, and his role extends beyond scoring. He serves as the team’s emotional leader, and his absence creates a big void in North Carolina’s defensive scheme during his recovery.
MORE: More Bad News for Seth Trimble After Undergoing Surgery for Brutal Practice Injury
The guard is coming off a strong two-way performance in North Carolina’s 87-74 win over Kansas, where he excelled on both sides of the court. He scored 17 points on 7-of-17 shooting and was a perfect 3-of-3 from the free-throw line. Trimble also had eight rebounds and three assists and performed well in shutting down Kansas guard Darryn Peterson.
North Carolina coach Hubert Davis provided a statement on Sunday after the injury news broke. He said he was sad for his team captain, citing Trimble’s offseason work to prepare for his senior year with the Tar Heels.
“He’s such a great kid and teammate and has worked so hard for his senior year. He loves being a Tar Heel, and we love him,” Davis said. “The good news is he will be back at some point this year, and I know he will continue to be a great leader for us until he can get back in the lineup.”
Based on the timeline, Trimble could potentially return between late December 2025 and mid-January 2026, in time for the start of ACC conference play. In North Carolina’s game against Radford on Tuesday, 6’6” freshman Luka Bogavac was inserted into the starting lineup in place of Trimble.