As the 2024-25 men’s college basketball season approaches, Andy Katz shared his picks for the top rivalries to know for the season. These rivalry games go beyond the court, with lots of school culture, tradition and pride involved.
1. North Carolina-Duke
Without question, the Duke and North Carolina matchup never disappoints. The games are always electric whether these teams meet in the regular season, the ACC tournament, or in the Final Four. With 261 matchups, UNC is Duke’s most frequent rival, just behind Wake Forest. In their latest showdown, UNC grabbed a crucial win over Duke, securing the outright ACC title and the top seed in the ACC tournament. Both teams are bringing in new talent and returning key players, setting the stage for another thrilling chapter in this storied rivalry.
Duke’s roster has some significant talent despite losing key players. Junior guard Tyrese Proctor is returning and will likely lead the team and bring his experience to the floor. All eyes will be on the highly anticipated rookie and top-ranked freshman guard/forward Cooper Flagg.
The Tar Heels’ lineup could be very dynamic this year. Armando Bacot, who played a significant role for last year’s team, won’t return, but the Tar Heels have plenty of talent. Senior point guard R.J. Davis, an experienced playmaker, returns.
2. Louisville-Kentucky
Louisville and Kentucky are two programs that always bring the excitement when they meet. Kentucky leads Louisville all-time series at 39–17. In their latest showdown, Kentucky emerged victorious in front of a roaring, packed arena.
Along with new head coach Mark Pope, Kentucky’s roster features many new, experienced players. Among the new players, Koby Brea is a graduate senior guard who transferred from Dayton, where he was a key player. Andrew Carr is a graduate senior from Wake Forest, where he was an effective forward with great scoring and defensive abilities.
Louisville has had significant roster changes this season, along with a new head coach, Pat Kelsey. Kelsey coached transfer shooting guard Reyne Smith and transfer forward James Scott previously at the College of Charleston. Some other vital scorers we’ll see in action are point guard Koren Johnson, a transfer from Washington, and guard/forward Terrence Edwards Jr., a transfer from James Madison.
3. Indiana-Purdue
Within the Big Ten and the state of Indiana, you won’t want to miss Indiana against Purdue.
Indiana’s roster for the upcoming season shows some great talent and experience. Trey Galloway, an experienced senior guard, will provide some leadership this year. Myles Rice, a sophomore transfer from Washington State, could also be a standout guard for Indiana. A new addition, forward Bryson Tucker, is an exceptional freshman recruit.
Purdue’s dominance is expected to continue this season. The most significant change to the roster is the departure of Zach Edey, who played a major part in Purdue’s offense and defense. Freshman Daniel Jacobsen, a talented 7-foot-4 center, comes in. The Boilermakers also have junior guards Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer
4. Xavier-Cincinnati
The Crosstown Shootout between Xavier and Cincinnati is a must-watch rivalry in college basketball. Played annually in Cincinnati, Ohio, this matchup never fails to deliver intense action. Their most recent showdown was no exception, with Xavier narrowly winning against Cincinnati in a thrilling 84-79 victory.
Xavier is looking to carry the team’s success from last year into this season. Guard Dayvion McKnight is returning to the squad. McKnight is an experienced graduate with excellent scoring and assist abilities. Additionally, sophomore guard Trey Green, coming off a solid freshman season, will also play a role in the offense.
Cincinnati’s roster appears strong this season, even with the loss of standout Viktor Lakhin. Sophomore guard Jizzle James will return to lead the team’s offense and senior shooting guard Day Day Thomas is expected to provide experience in the backcourt.
5. UCLA-USC
This matchup is now a Big Ten rivalry. USC took the dub in their latest matchup on UCLA’s home court.
UCLA faces the challenge of filling the void left by Adem Bona, one of last season’s leading scorers. However, the Bruins have a solid returning roster poised to step up. Junior guard Dylan Andrews, last season’s top scorer, will return. Senior guard Lazar Stefanovic and sophomore guard Sebastian Mack are also key offensive contributors.
After losing star guard Boogie Ellis, USC has added some key freshmen and top transfers to the team this season. Isaiah Elohim, a highly ranked freshman guard/forward, could make an immediate impact with his dynamic play. Adding graduate transfer Clark Slajchert, a standout guard from Penn, promises to enhance the team’s offensive capabilities.
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6. BYU-Utah
BYU and Utah have a long-standing rivalry that consistently delivers. With both teams now in the Big 12, fans can look forward to exciting matchups in the conference. Their most recent game was a tightly contested battle, with Utah taking the win, 73-69.
This season, BYU has a mostly new roster and a new head coach, Kevin Young. Trevin Kneel is an experienced guard. Junior guard Dallin Hall is also returning to BYU. Mawot Mag is a graduate forward from Rutgers who is known for his athleticism.
As for Utah, experienced fifth-year guard Gabe Madsen is expected to help lead the team and be effective on the offensive end. Hunter Erickson is another fifth-year guard for the Utes.
7. Illinois-Missouri
Illinois and Missouri have consistently delivered exciting matchups in their nonconference rivalry.
Illinois will enter the season with notable changes, but the Illini will retain some returning talent with potential. Junior forward Ty Rodgers is expected to step up and play a pivotal role in the offense. Fifth-year forward Ben Humrichous is a transfer from Evansville who is expected to significantly contribut.
Missouri faces adjustments due to departure, but senior guard Tamar Bates is expected to help lead the team and score.
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8. Gonzaga-Saint Mary’s
Over the past decade, the Gonzaga vs. Saint Mary’s rivalry has stood out as the premier matchup in the West Coast Conference. In the 2023-24 season alone, Saint Mary’s and Gonzaga faced off three times, with Saint Mary’s securing two wins.
As Gonzaga prepares for this upcoming season, they will navigate behind senior Graham Ike, the leading scorer last season. Senior guard Nolan Hickman is returning and will contribute significantly to scoring and playmaking.
On Saint Mary’s, graduate center Mitchell Saxen will be vital to the lineup this season. Senior guard Augustas Marciulionis will return this season as well. Marciulionis is a consistent scorer for Saint Mary’s.
9. New Mexico-New Mexico State
New Mexico and New Mexico State’s rivalry is fierce and celebrated, drawing intense fan engagement across the state. Their most recent matchup was a close one, as New Mexico came out on top in a 73-72 finish.
New Mexico must navigate the departure of pivotal players like Jamal Mashburn Jr. and Jaelen House. Their presence will be missed, but their absence opens the door for younger players and recruits to make their mark. Junior guard Donovan Dent was a top scorer for the Lobos last season and will return.
On the other side, New Mexico State can rely on guard Christian Cook to produce. Senior guard Jaden Harris will also be returning this season.
10. Penn-Princeton
For many years, Princeton and Penn dominated in the Ivy League. In the 2023-24 season, these teams played each other twice times, with the Tigers going 2-0.
Penn faces some significant lineup changes this season with the loss of their leading scorers. Sophomore guard Sam Brown showed promise last season, finishing as the team’s third-highest scorer as a freshman.
Princeton returns Xaivian Lee, one of the team’s leading scorers as a sophomore, is set to make a significant impact once again. Caden Pierce, who had an impressive freshman season, is expected to continue his solid offensive contributions after helping the Tigers go 24-5 last season.
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Bonus: Baylor-Houston
Finally, don’t forget about Baylor and Houston.
Junior guard Jayden Nunn will return to the court for the Bears. Nunn is a consistent scorer and is excellent on the offensive end. Redshirt sophomore guard Langston Love could be a standout offensive player this year.
Graduate guard L.J. Cryer will be back for Houston. Cryer — who previously played for Baylor — led the Cougars 15.5 points per game. J’Wan Roberts, a leading rebounder, is also back.
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