NCAA Basketball: Ranking the 16 matchups for 2024 ACC/SEC Challenge

8. Virginia at Florida

We’re entering an interesting time for Virginia Basketball, as they’ve fallen a bit in the past few years since winning a national title. Isaac McKneeley is the lone key returning piece, joined by FSU transfer guard Jalen Warley, as well as former 5-star prospect, TJ Power. It’s a roster that has plenty of questions but you don’t want to underestimate Coach Tony Bennett.

Coach Todd Golden has a good roster coming back at Florida, led by returning leading scorer, Walter Clayton Jr. Even without Zyon Pullin and Tyrese Samuel, the Gators have incoming transfers Alijah Martin and Sam Alexis, two potential starters. This will be an important matchup for both sides but look for more eyes to be on how the Cavaliers will be.

7. Texas at NC State

Like Oklahoma, Texas is heading to the SEC next season. But there’s more hope with the Longhorns, despite losing most of its roster this offseason. Coach Rodney Terry did well in the portal, landing Arkansas leading scorer Tramon Mark, as well as Oregon State’s leading scorer, Jordan Pope.

NC State is riding high off a Final Four appearance as an 11-seed and despite losing DJ Horne and DJ Burns, landed a few key transfers of its own. That includes a couple of ACC transfers in Brandon Huntley-Hatfield and Mike James, both coming over from Louisville. On paper, this could be one of the more evenly-matched battles and should be an entertaining game to watch.