Top 10 college basketball rivalries fans shouldn't miss in 2024-25 season ft. Kentucky vs. Arkansas
Even though the 2024-25 college basketball landscape has drastically changed, it has helped boost preexisting rivalries. While conference shake-ups can result in more territorial battles, transfer portals allow teams to always be in a contending space.
With that, as we near the 2024-25 season, let’s look at the top 10 rivalries that will take place this year.
Top college basketball rivalries to watch in 2024-25 season
#10. Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. Saint Mary's Gaels
Gonzaga and Gaels have cultivated the most promising rivalries across the last few years in the West Coast Conference. As the Bulldogs plan to transition to the Pac-12 after 2025, the matchups between the two will be cherished even more.
The two teams meet on Feb. 1 and Feb. 22 next year.
#9. New Mexico Lobos vs. New Mexico State Aggies
One of those rivalries that brings masses to the arena from all over the state. Their last game resulted in a narrow 73-72 New Mexico win. However, the Lobos have a huge void to fill with the departure of key players. On the other hand, the Aggies have reliable veteran players returning this season.
New Mexico and Mexico State face each other on Dec. 7.
#8. Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Missouri Tigers
The nonconference rivalry has produced some of the most exciting games. Illinois will bring an altered roster this time around, while the Tigers will operate around the veteran leadership on their squad. The two face each other on Dec. 22.
#7. BYU Cougars vs. Utah Utes
Utah won their previous battle with the Cougars behind a close 73-69 stat line. The small score difference is a common theme between the two teams, making for one of the most anticipated conference matchups.
This season, BYU will battle the Utes on Jan. 18, with a new coach and a fresh roster.
#6. Xavier Musketeers vs. Cincinnati Bearcats
Another major crosstown rivalry in college basketball. Xavier and Cincinnati appear against each other annually for an intense showdown.
Cincinnati is expected to redeem its last season’s five-point loss this year when the two face off on Dec. 14.
#5. Indiana Hoosiers vs. Purdue Boilermakers
This one can be lopsided in terms of the programs’ trajectories. The Boilermakers made a heroic final appearance, while Hoosiers’ coach Mike Woodson is said to be on the hot seat.
The two teams have been competing since 1901, with Purdue leading head-to-head matchups 126-92. The teams meet twice this season: Jan. 31 and Feb. 23.
#4. UCLA Bruins vs. USC Trojans
The rivalry will now be an annual feature, thanks to the conference shift. UCLA will look to set a strong impression in the first conference battles on Jan. 27 and March 8.
Moreover, the Bruins will also aim to redeem the loss to the Trojans in their previous season.
#3. Kentucky Wildcats vs. Arkansas Razorbacks
While it is not one of the top rivalries yet, it surely has the potential to become one when the two face off on Feb. 1. John Calipari left the Wildcats this offseason after 15 years of coaching, leaving behind a dismal five-year run from 2019 to 2024.
Moreover, as no scholarship player returned to Kentucky in Calipari's absence, Mark Pope gripped the program, forming a unit out of the transfer portal and high school recruitment.
#2. Louisville Cardinals vs. Kentucky Wildcats
The two teams first faced off in 1913, playing only 12 games until 1983 (60 years). Since then, their matchups have been fueled by controversies around their coaches, Calipari and Rick Pitino.
Kentucky leads the all-time series, 39-17 and will look to improve on Dec. 14.
#1. North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Duke Blue Devils
Situated less than 10 miles from each other, Duke and UNC have thrilled fans through decades. They share more than 250 games between them, becoming each other’s most frequent matchups and one of the most frequent rivalries.
They face each other twice this season, on Feb. 2 and March 9.