Rivalries, Revenge, and National Title Implications Await in 2025
With the 2025-26 college basketball season around the corner, there’s no shortage of high-stakes matchups before conference play begins. These non-conference battles will feature powerhouse programs, revenge games, and a few title rematches. Here’s a look at the ten biggest games fans can’t wait to see this fall.
St. John’s Storm vs. Kentucky Wildcats
The marquee non-conference clash of the year pits Rick Pitino against one of his former teams as St. John’s takes on Kentucky. Mark Pope’s Wildcats enter the season as one of the nation’s elite, and both teams sit inside the preseason Top 10. This game, set for just before Christmas at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, promises high scoring and plenty of drama.
UConn Huskies vs. Florida Gators
This matchup features the last three NCAA champions, with Dan Hurley’s UConn program meeting Todd Golden’s defending champion Florida Gators. Both are Top 5 preseason teams, and the setting couldn’t be better, Madison Square Garden on December 9th. Expect a national title atmosphere in the world’s most famous arena.
Florida Gators at Duke Blue Devils
Florida’s championship defense hits Cameron Indoor Stadium early. The Gators will face Jon Scheyer’s Duke squad on December 2nd, and the Blue Devils’ fans will be ready for a hostile welcome. The matchup promises elite talent, tough defense, and plenty of national attention on ESPN.
Houston Cougars vs. Tennessee Volunteers
Few teams play with Houston’s toughness, and Kelvin Sampson’s Cougars are ready to prove they’re still national contenders. Facing Tennessee in Las Vegas just before Thanksgiving, this Top 20 battle could set the tone for Houston’s quest for a third straight Big 12 crown.
Kansas Jayhawks vs. Duke Blue Devils
Two bluebloods, one massive stage. Bill Self’s Kansas Jayhawks and Jon Scheyer’s Duke Blue Devils square off at Madison Square Garden in the Champions Classic on November 18th. With both rosters reloaded and packed with top recruits, this matchup will have March implications before December arrives.
UConn Huskies vs. BYU Cougars
Dan Hurley never shies away from big games, and this one is no exception. UConn and BYU, both ranked in the preseason Top 10, meet on November 15th at TD Garden in Boston. Fans will get an early look at AJ Dybantsa, one of the top prospects for the 2026 NBA Draft.
UConn Huskies at Kansas Jayhawks
Just days after BYU, the Huskies hit the road for another test—this time at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence. UConn and Kansas have recent history, with the Jayhawks winning their last meeting before UConn went on to win it all. Expect another instant classic when these national powers collide on December 2nd.
Kentucky Wildcats at Louisville Cardinals
The Bluegrass rivalry returns early this season, and it’s as heated as ever. Kentucky enters ranked No. 9, while Louisville sits just two spots behind at No. 11. Mark Pope and Pat Kelsey both have high hopes for their squads, and the KFC Yum! Center will be rocking on November 11th.
Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Duke Blue Devils
John Calipari’s second year in Fayetteville brings another high-profile challenge. The Razorbacks, fresh off an Elite Eight near-miss, will battle Duke on Thanksgiving Day at the United Center in Chicago. Expect fireworks between two elite recruiting classes on national TV.
Duke Blue Devils vs. Michigan State Spartans
Rounding out the top ten, Duke travels to East Lansing for a December showdown with Tom Izzo’s Michigan State Spartans. The last time they met in 2023, Duke came out on top. This time, the Spartans look for revenge at home in one of college basketball’s toughest environments.
Every matchup on this list offers something special—historic venues, top-tier coaches, NBA-bound stars, and a taste of March intensity months early. The 2025-26 college basketball season is shaping up to be unforgettable, and these ten games are the reason why.