JUST ANNOUNCED: Duke Men’s Basketball and Arkansas Razorback Men’s Basketball to Headline 2025 CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic
The 2025 CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic promises to be one of the most exciting early-season matchups in college basketball history, as two powerhouse programs, Duke University and the University of Arkansas, are set to collide on November 27, 2025. The announcement has basketball fans, analysts, and college sports enthusiasts buzzing with anticipation, setting the stage for a thrilling game that could have major implications as both teams aim to strengthen their positions for the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
The Rivalry Between Two Historic Programs
Duke and Arkansas have long been staples in the upper echelons of NCAA basketball. The Blue Devils, hailing from Durham, North Carolina, have established themselves as one of the most successful programs in the history of college basketball. With five NCAA championships (1991, 1992, 2001, 2010, and 2015) and a host of legendary players—such as Christian Laettner, Grant Hill, Kyrie Irving, Zion Williamson, and most recently, Paolo Banchero—Duke has been a dominant force in the college basketball world. Coached by the iconic Mike Krzyzewski for over four decades, the Blue Devils have consistently been a top contender, and even after Coach K’s retirement in 2022, the team continues to draw attention from fans and analysts alike.
On the other hand, the Arkansas Razorbacks, based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, have enjoyed a resurgence under head coach Eric Musselman. With a storied history in the NCAA, including a national championship in 1994 under legendary coach Nolan Richardson, the Razorbacks have once again become a formidable force in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Known for their “Fastest 40 Minutes of Basketball” style—focusing on fast breaks, intense defense, and high-scoring offenses—Arkansas has risen to prominence in recent years. The Razorbacks’ ability to recruit top-tier talent, combined with Musselman’s innovative coaching style, has made Arkansas a consistent contender in the NCAA Tournament.
The clash of these two programs—one from the ACC and the other from the SEC—offers fans an exciting opportunity to see two of the nation’s most talented teams face off early in the season.
What to Expect from Duke in 2025
Duke’s basketball program, even after the retirement of Mike Krzyzewski, remains one of the most prestigious in the country. The 2025 squad, which will be under the direction of Jon Scheyer (Coach K’s former assistant), is expected to continue the Blue Devils’ legacy of success. Scheyer, who took over as head coach after Coach K’s retirement, has already demonstrated his ability to recruit elite talent and maintain the program’s competitiveness at the highest level.
In 2025, Duke’s roster will likely feature a mix of seasoned veterans and top-tier recruits. The Blue Devils have consistently attracted some of the nation’s best high school prospects, and the incoming class is expected to be no different. Key players from previous seasons, such as guard Jeremy Roach and forward Mark Mitchell, will likely be back to lead the team, providing experience and leadership in the crucial early months of the season.
Duke’s style of play, often characterized by strong defense, quick transitions, and high-intensity offense, should be a key feature of their game plan against Arkansas. However, Duke’s success in 2025 will depend largely on how effectively Scheyer can integrate new talent with returning players, especially in a high-profile game like the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic. Games of this magnitude test a team’s depth, chemistry, and ability to perform under pressure, and the Blue Devils are no strangers to such challenges.
One area of particular interest will be Duke’s ability to match up against the Razorbacks’ fast-paced, relentless style of play. Historically, the Blue Devils have excelled in controlling the tempo of games, but Arkansas’ high-pressure defense and quick transitions could present a unique challenge. The outcome of this game may depend heavily on Duke’s ability to slow the game down when necessary and to exploit the Razorbacks’ defensive lapses when they occur.
Arkansas Razorbacks: Building on Success
The Arkansas Razorbacks have undergone a remarkable transformation under Eric Musselman. Since taking over in 2019, Musselman has taken the program to new heights, leading the Razorbacks to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including a trip to the Elite Eight in 2021. With his fast-paced, up-tempo style of play and a focus on tenacious defense, Musselman has revitalized the Razorbacks, making them a perennial contender in the SEC.
For the 2025 season, Arkansas will likely return many of the players who helped the team to success in the previous seasons, including standout forwards and guards with NBA potential. Musselman has consistently recruited high-profile talent, including transfers from other major programs, and his ability to develop players has made him one of the most sought-after coaches in college basketball.
One of the key factors in Arkansas’ success is their relentless full-court defense, which has become a hallmark of Musselman’s coaching philosophy. The Razorbacks will likely continue to employ a high-pressure defensive scheme that seeks to disrupt opposing offenses and create fast-break opportunities. This strategy often leads to high-scoring games, and their ability to play in transition could pose problems for Duke’s traditionally more methodical style of offense.
Additionally, Arkansas is expected to be a much-improved shooting team in 2025, with several players likely taking on expanded roles in terms of scoring and facilitating. The Razorbacks’ guard play, especially, will be a crucial area to watch. Arkansas’s guards have been known for their ability to drive to the basket, stretch the floor with three-point shooting, and create scoring opportunities both for themselves and their teammates.
Given the Razorbacks’ style of play, they will likely aim to dictate the pace of the game, pressuring Duke into turnovers and fast-break situations. For Arkansas to succeed against Duke, they’ll need to leverage their depth and athleticism while maintaining discipline on both sides of the court. The key challenge for Musselman will be preparing his team to face the intense defense and structured offense that Duke is known for, while still being able to execute their own fast-paced game plan.
The Significance of the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic
The CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic is one of the premier non-conference matchups on the college basketball calendar. This annual event brings together some of the most elite programs in the country for a game that serves as both a showcase for early-season basketball and a chance for teams to make early statements about their potential for the season ahead. For both Duke and Arkansas, the 2025 game is an opportunity to test their mettle against top-tier competition, establish momentum heading into their respective conferences, and generate excitement among their fan bases.
For fans, the 2025 Thanksgiving Classic offers a rare opportunity to see two of college basketball’s biggest programs square off in a game that could have significant ramifications for the national rankings, the NCAA Tournament picture, and team confidence as the season progresses. Early-season games like this can often determine a team’s trajectory throughout the rest of the year, with the winner gaining valuable early-season momentum.
Key Storylines to Watch
Several compelling storylines will add intrigue to the 2025 CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic:
- Coaching Styles: Jon Scheyer’s debut season as Duke’s head coach is already a topic of interest. Fans will be watching closely to see how he adapts to the role of head coach, especially in high-pressure games like this one. On the other side, Eric Musselman’s continued success with Arkansas will be another storyline, as his program seeks to build upon its recent success.
- Star Players: Both teams will feature star players who could become household names as the season progresses. Look for exciting performances from Duke’s rising stars and Arkansas’s dynamic playmakers. Key matchups, such as Duke’s defense against Arkansas’s fast-break offense, will be crucial in determining the game’s outcome.
- National Implications: The result of this game could have significant implications for the national rankings, potentially setting the stage for one of these teams to become a major contender for the NCAA Tournament.
- Fanbases: The passionate fanbases of both Duke and Arkansas will create an electric atmosphere. Although the game will be held at a neutral site, both teams’ supporters will undoubtedly make their presence felt, adding to the excitement.