NCAA Basketball: Ranking the 2023 inaugural ACC/SEC Challenge matchups

10. NC State Wolfpack at Ole Miss Rebels

There might not be a game that features more transfers combined than these two teams, who each went through a complete turnover. Ole Miss changed its sidelines as well, replacing Kermit Davis with former Texas HC, Chris Beard. Off-the-court issues aside, he’s been successful at each of his previous stops so it may become “when” and not “if”, he turns the Rebels into a postseason threat.

His current roster features some compelling pieces, though there are some eligibility questions. Transfer centers Moussa Cisse and Jamarion Sharp are two of the best interior defenders in all of NCAA Basketball, though Cisse needs a waiver. Former Georgetown wing Brandon Murray needs a waiver as well, while Allen Flanigan and Matthew Murrell are a quality wing duo.

NC State has just as many guards coming in to replace Jarkel Joiner and Terqavion Smith. DJ Horne, Jayden Taylor, and Kam Woods were all double-digit scorers at their previous spots, while Kansas transfer and former five-star prospect, MJ Rice, is a breakout candidate to watch.

The matchup inside between D.J. Burns of NC State and either Cisse or Sharp of Ole Miss will be very fun to watch. But ultimately, it’ll come down to whichever new group of guards turn out to be the real deal next season.