As the 2024-25 men’s college basketball season approaches, Andy Katz has highlighted the top rivalries to watch this year. These matchups are more than just games—they’re steeped in tradition, school pride, and intense competition. Here’s a rundown of the top 10 college basketball rivalries that will define this season.
College Basketball Expert Lists Top Rivalries For 2024-25
North Carolina vs. Duke
This classic rivalry remains among the most thrilling in college basketball, whether during the regular season, the ACC tournament, or even the Final Four. With 261 matchups, UNC is Duke’s most frequent opponent. Last season, UNC secured a crucial win over Duke, earning the top seed in the ACC tournament. Duke returns Tyrese Proctor, leading a team featuring top freshman Cooper Flagg, while UNC’s experienced point guard RJ Davis anchors a dynamic lineup.
The North Carolina vs Duke rivalry is one of the fiercest in college basketball. Both teams are geographically close, with their campuses only 8 miles apart, adding to the intensity. The rivalry is rooted in their consistent excellence, with a combined 11 national championships. Each matchup is a battle for state bragging rights, ACC supremacy, and often, a top ranking. The Tobacco Road rivals have a long history of thrilling games, memorable moments, and legendary players like Michael Jordan, Christian Laettner, and Tyler Hansbrough. Their games are always highly anticipated, closely watched, and deeply felt, fueling the animosity and admiration between them.
Louisville vs. Kentucky
Kentucky leads the all-time series against Louisville 39-17, having won their latest encounter. Under new head coach Mark Pope, Kentucky has a fresh lineup that includes transfer players Koby Brea and Andrew Carr. Louisville, also with a new head coach, Pat Kelsey, brings in several key transfers, including Reyne Smith and James Scott.
The Louisville vs Kentucky rivalry is a fierce and storied one, with both teams vying for Bluegrass State supremacy. Their annual matchup is a clash of styles, with Louisville’s high-flying offense often facing off against Kentucky’s stingy defense. The rivalry is fueled by geographic proximity, cultural differences, and a desire for bragging rights. The two programs have combined for 11 national championships, adding to the intensity. The games are often physical, emotional, and closely contested, with legendary coaches like Rick Pitino and John Calipari adding to the drama. It’s a rivalry that transcends sports, with state pride hanging in the balance.
Indiana vs. Purdue
This rivalry is one of the fiercest in the Big Ten. Indiana features experienced senior guard Trey Galloway and talented freshman forward Bryson Tucker. Despite losing Zach Edey, Purdue adds freshman center Daniel Jacobsen and returns key players like Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer.
The Indiana vs Purdue rivalry is a storied and intense one, with both teams battling for Hoosier State supremacy. Their annual matchup is a clash of in-state foes, with the Old Oaken Bucket trophy on the line. The rivalry is fueled by geographic proximity, shared history, and a desire for bragging rights. It’s a rivalry that embodies Midwestern values: hard-nosed, intense, and deeply personal.
Xavier vs. Cincinnati
The Crosstown Shootout in Cincinnati is always a must-watch. Last season, Xavier narrowly defeated Cincinnati 84-79. Xavier returns graduate guard Dayvion McKnight and sophomore guard Trey Green, while Cincinnati, despite losing standout Viktor Lakhin, will rely on sophomore guard Jizzle James and senior Day Day Thomas.
The Crosstown Shootout is a fierce and intense matchup between two Cincinnati-based schools. The games are often physical and emotional, with the city’s bragging rights on the line. The rivalry is fueled by geographic proximity, shared recruiting grounds, and a desire for local supremacy. The Shootout has produced memorable moments and legendary players, cementing its place as one of college basketball’s most heated and enduring rivalries, with the city’s pride hanging in the balance.
UCLA vs. USC
Now a Big Ten rivalry, USC defeated UCLA on the Bruins’ home court in their last meeting. UCLA faces challenges without Adem Bona but returns key players like Dylan Andrews. After losing Boogie Ellis, USC adds top freshmen and transfers, including Isaiah Elohim and Clark Slajchert.
The UCLA vs USC rivalry is a storied and intense one, with both Los Angeles-based schools vying for West Coast supremacy. Their matchups are often high-scoring, fast-paced, and physical, with the city’s bragging rights on the line. The rivalry is fueled by geographic proximity, shared recruiting grounds, and a desire for local dominance. The games are often closely contested. Both squads have had legendary players including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Walton, and Reggie Miller on the UCLA side with DeMar DeRozan, Paul Westphal, and Gus Williams on the USC side. It’s a rivalry that embodies LA’s laid-back yet competitive spirit.
BYU vs. Utah
This rivalry is even more exciting with both teams now in the Big 12. Utah won their last matchup 73-69. With new head coach Kevin Young, BYU has returning guards Trevin Kneel and Dallin Hall. Utah’s experienced guards, Gabe Madsen and Hunter Erickson will lead the Utes.
BYU and Utah wage a fierce and intense rivalry, known as the Holy War, as they clash in a matchup between two of Utah’s biggest universities. The teams play physical and emotional games, fighting for state bragging rights. Geographic proximity shared Mormon heritage, and a desire for regional supremacy fuel the rivalry. The Holy War produces memorable moments and legendary players, as BYU and Utah battle for supremacy, cementing its place as one of college basketball’s most heated and enduring rivalries, with Utah’s pride on the line.
Illinois vs. Missouri
Known for thrilling nonconference games, Illinois and Missouri continue their rivalry. Illinois will look to junior forward Ty Rodgers and transfer Ben Humrichous, while Missouri counts on senior guard Tamar Bates to step up.
Illinois and Missouri engage in a storied and intense rivalry, known as the Braggin’ Rights game, as they clash in an annual matchup between two neighboring state schools. The teams battle for Midwest supremacy, with the winner claiming bragging rights for the year. Geographic proximity, shared history, and a desire for regional dominance fuel the rivalry. Legendary players like Dee Brown and Derrick Chievous add to the lore, making the games a must-watch for college hoops fans. The teams closely contest the games, ensuring a thrilling competition.
Gonzaga vs St Mary’s
This West Coast Conference rivalry saw Saint Mary’s winning two of three games last season. Gonzaga returns senior scorer Graham Ike, while Saint Mary’s counts on graduate center Mitchell Saxen and senior guard Augustas Marciulionis.
Gonzaga and St. Mary’s engage in a fierce and intense rivalry, clashing in a high-stakes matchup between two West Coast Conference powerhouses. The teams often play high-stakes games, competing for conference titles and NCAA Tournament seeding. Geographic proximity shared Catholic heritage, and a desire for regional supremacy help fuel the rivalry. St. Mary’s pulls off upset wins, adding drama to the rivalry and making each matchup a highly anticipated event in the WCC, as the winner claims bragging rights as the best in the West.
New Mexico vs. New Mexico State
New Mexico won their latest matchup by just one point. They will miss key players like Jamal Mashburn Jr., and Jaelen House but junior guard Donovan Dent returns. New Mexico State will rely on returning guards Christian Cook and Jaden Harris.
New Mexico and New Mexico State engage in a fierce and intense rivalry, clashing in a matchup between two Land of Enchantment schools. The teams often play physical and emotional games, fighting for state bragging rights. Geographic proximity, shared history, and a desire for local supremacy fuel the rivalry. The Rio Grande Rivalry produces memorable moments and legendary players, cementing its place as one of college basketball’s most heated and enduring rivalries, as the teams battle for state pride.
Penn vs. Princeton
Princeton won both games against Penn last season and dominated the Ivy League for years. Penn faces changes but returns promising sophomore guard Sam Brown. Princeton expects strong performances from Xaivian Lee and Caden Pierce.
The Penn vs Princeton rivalry fuels intense competition between two Ivy League powerhouses. Penn and Princeton closely contest their games, fighting for conference titles and bragging rights. Geographic proximity and shared academic excellence fuel the rivalry, driving both teams to strive for athletic supremacy. The teams often decide the outcome of the games by a single possession, adding drama and lore to this iconic rivalry.
The Last Word
These college basketball rivalries, as spotlighted by Katz, promise to deliver intense competition and unforgettable moments in the 2024-25 season.
