Get ready for a slam dunk of a season! College basketball is back, and the 2023-24 season promises to be a thriller with some jaw-dropping matchups that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. While UConn’s grueling schedule is a story in itself, let’s dive into the games that are already creating a buzz as we approach the season opener on November 3. These matchups aren’t just about rankings—they’re about rivalries, redemption, and the rise of new stars. And this is the part most people miss: these games are just the tip of the iceberg, offering a glimpse into the drama and excitement that’ll unfold this season.
No. 9 Kentucky at No. 11 Louisville (Nov. 11, 8 p.m., ESPN)
The Battle of the Bluegrass is back with a bang! For the first time since 2019-20, this in-state rivalry features two top-25 teams. Kentucky, led by preseason SEC Player of the Year Otega Oweh, faces a Louisville squad with sky-high expectations under Pat Kelsey. With Xavier’s Ryan Conwell and Virginia’s Isaac McKneely joining the Cardinals, expect an explosive showdown at the KFC Yum! Center. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can Louisville finally dethrone their rivals, or will Kentucky’s experience prevail?
No. 23 Creighton vs. No. 16 Iowa State (Nov. 25, 2 p.m., truTV)
This Players Era Championship matchup is all about reinvention. Creighton, minus Ryan Kalkbrenner and Steven Ashworth, will rely on newcomers Jackson McAndrew, Owen Freeman, and Josh Dix. Iowa State, meanwhile, retained key starters Tamin Lipsey and Milan Momcilovic despite significant roster changes. The question is: Which team will adapt faster to their new lineup?
No. 3 Florida at No. 6 Duke (Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m., ESPN)
The ACC/SEC Challenge saves the best for last with this heavyweight clash. Defending champs Florida, boasting preseason All-SEC honorees Alex Condon, Boogie Fland, and Thomas Haugh, face a Duke team hungry for redemption after falling short last season. The Blue Devils’ No. 1 recruiting class, led by the Boozer brothers, promises fireworks. But can they gel quickly enough to challenge the Gators?
No. 5 St. John’s vs. No. 9 Kentucky (Dec. 20, 12:30 p.m., CBS)
The CBS Sports Classic brings a Rick Pitino-flavored showdown to Atlanta. St. John’s, armed with one of the best transfer classes ever—including Zuby Ejiofor, Ian Jackson, and Bryce Hopkins—takes on Mark Pope’s Kentucky. The Red Storm’s star-studded lineup is a force to be reckoned with, but can they outshine Kentucky’s consistency?
No. 10 Texas Tech vs. No. 6 Duke (Dec. 20, 8 p.m., ESPN)
This game is a study in contrasts. Duke’s nearly rebuilt roster faces a Texas Tech team missing Darrion Williams but anchored by All-American JT Toppin. Will Duke’s fresh talent outpace the Red Raiders’ experience? It’s a toss-up that could go either way.
No. 18 Tennessee at No. 14 Arkansas (Jan. 3, 3 p.m., ESPN2)
Tennessee’s Nate Ament and Ja’Kobi Gillespie face an Arkansas team led by Karter Knox and D.J. Wagner in John Calipari’s second year. Both teams have high hopes, but which will emerge as the SEC’s dark horse?
No. 1 Purdue at No. 12 UCLA (Jan. 20, 10 p.m., Peacock)
Purdue, led by Wooden Award favorite Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn, aims to finally capture that elusive national title. UCLA counters with transfer Donovan Dent, a potential Big Ten Player of the Year. This game could be a preview of March Madness—but who’ll come out on top?
No. 2 Houston at No. 8 BYU (Feb. 7, TBD)
Houston, just one possession away from a title last season, returns three starters, including Defensive Player of the Year Joseph Tugler. BYU’s Richie Saunders and AJ Dybantsa form a dynamic duo. It’s a shame this Big 12 matchup only happens once—it’s must-watch TV.
No. 7 Michigan vs. No. 6 Duke (Feb. 21, 6:30 p.m., ESPN)
After a decade-long hiatus, the Michigan-Duke rivalry is back! The Wolverines, bolstered by transfers Yaxel Lendeborg and Elliot Cadeau, aim to prove they’re national title material. Duke, as always, is a powerhouse. But which team will reignite this historic rivalry in style?
No. 20 Auburn vs. No. 15 Alabama (Feb. 7; March 7, 8:30 p.m., ESPN/ESPN2)
The Iron Bowl of Basketball is hotter than ever. Auburn’s Tahaad Pettiford and Alabama’s Labaron Philon Jr. lead their teams in a battle for SEC supremacy. With Auburn in the post-Bruce Pearl era, can they keep up with the Crimson Tide? Or will Alabama dominate?
No. 19 Kansas vs. No. 13 Arizona (Feb. 9, 9 p.m., ESPN; Feb. 28)
Kansas, led by top recruit Darryn Peterson, seeks redemption under Bill Self. Arizona, with newcomers Jaden Bradley and Koa Peat, is reloading after offseason losses. Which team will rise to the occasion in this Big 12-Pac-12 showdown?
Thought-provoking question for you: With so many teams reinventing themselves through transfers and recruits, which program do you think will emerge as the true powerhouse this season? Let’s debate in the comments!
