College basketball schedules are nearing completion ahead of the 2025-26 season, and there will be no shortage of marquee nonconference matchups over the first couple months.

While the Players Era Festival will bring numerous high-profile showdowns to Las Vegas in November, we’re also in store for some blockbuster, on-campus games.

Just to name a few of the on-campus highlights, we’ll get Michigan State vs. Duke, Alabama vs. Purdue, Illinois vs. Texas Tech, Kentucky vs. Indiana and UConn vs. Arizona. Then, there’s the 2025 ACC-SEC Challenge, which brings another 16 contests of note, including Duke vs. Florida and Kentucky vs. North Carolina.

These games help to shape the season’s narrative, influencing the performance metrics that are vital for Selection Sunday.

The SEC’s remarkable performance during nonconference play last season allowed the league to achieve a record 14 NCAA Tournament bids, while the spotlight was mainly on football.

With the basketball season approaching, we look forward to the matches we’re most eager to see:

Kentucky @ Louisville (Nov. 11)

This meeting at the KFC Yum! Center is set much earlier than usual, providing an exciting opportunity for sports fans.

Houston vs. Auburn (Nov. 16)

The previous year’s bout was a close one, with both teams distinguished in the top 15.

Duke vs. Kansas (Nov. 18)

Freshman stars will clash in this anticipated matchup highlighting their collegiate prowess prior to entering the NBA.

Florida @ Duke (Dec. 2)

The rematch follows last year’s challenge, reflecting Duke’s standing as a formidable competitor.

Kentucky vs. St. John’s (Dec. 20)

This matchup holds historical depth, featuring coaching legacies intertwined amid a high-stakes competition.