JUST ANNOUNCED: 2025 CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic to Feature Top Teams – Duke vs. Arkansas!
In what is shaping up to be one of the most exciting matchups of the 2025 college basketball season, the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic has officially announced that it will feature two of the sport’s premier programs: the Duke Blue Devils and the Arkansas Razorbacks. Set for November 27, 2025, this showdown will bring together two powerhouse teams, each with a rich basketball legacy and a squad brimming with talent. The stakes will be high as both teams look to assert their dominance early in the season.
Duke Blue Devils: A Legacy of Excellence
The Duke Blue Devils, one of the most storied programs in college basketball history, will enter this game with their eyes set on continuing their recent success. After a highly impressive 2023-2024 season under first-year head coach Jon Scheyer, Duke is poised to remain a top contender for the upcoming season. The Blue Devils have long been known for their tenacious defense, high basketball IQ, and consistently strong recruiting classes.
Led by Scheyer, who captured the 2024 ACC Coach of the Year award, Duke’s mix of talented veterans and top-notch recruits has set the stage for another promising year. Star players like Tyrese Proctor, a future NBA talent, and veterans such as Kyle Filipowski and Jeremy Roach are expected to play key roles for the Blue Devils. Their balanced offensive attack, combined with elite defensive schemes, will make them a formidable force when they take the court at the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic.
For Duke, this game is not just an early-season challenge, but an opportunity to showcase their growth under Scheyer’s leadership and build on the program’s legendary legacy.
Arkansas Razorbacks: Rising Power in College Basketball
On the other side of the court will be the Arkansas Razorbacks, who have emerged as one of the most exciting and formidable teams in recent years. Under head coach Eric Musselman, the Razorbacks have turned into a perennial contender in the SEC, regularly competing with the top programs in the nation. Musselman’s reputation for developing competitive, high-energy teams has made Arkansas a rising force in college basketball, and they are expected to be just as dangerous in the 2025-2026 season.
The Razorbacks will bring a roster filled with dynamic athletes, including standout players like Nick Smith Jr. (if he returns for his sophomore season) and several highly touted incoming recruits. Arkansas’ reputation for aggressive defense, fast-paced offense, and their ability to perform under pressure will be on full display against Duke.
This game is especially significant for Arkansas, as they look to cement their status among the elite college basketball programs and prove they are capable of going toe-to-toe with the traditional blue bloods of the sport.
The CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic: A High-Profile Stage
The CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic has quickly become one of the most anticipated events of the early college basketball season, bringing together some of the sport’s most talented teams for high-stakes matchups. The event provides a platform for these teams to showcase their skills in front of a national audience, all while competing in a highly competitive environment. The 2025 edition of the Classic promises to be one for the books, as the Blue Devils and Razorbacks will square off in what is sure to be a fast-paced, action-packed affair.
The timing of the game — just days before the Thanksgiving holiday — ensures that college basketball fans across the country will be tuned in, looking forward to a high-profile contest between two top-tier programs. The added drama and excitement of this matchup will only enhance the reputation of the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic, which continues to provide fans with thrilling college basketball action.
What to Expect from the Matchup
This highly anticipated game between Duke and Arkansas will feature some of the top young talent in college basketball, as well as coaching strategies that could define the course of the season. Here’s what fans can expect:
1. A Clash of Styles:
Duke’s methodical, disciplined approach to the game contrasts with Arkansas’ fast-paced, high-pressure style. The Blue Devils have long been known for their sharp defense and efficient offense, whereas the Razorbacks excel in transition and thrive on creating turnovers. The game will likely see both teams trying to impose their preferred style, making for a fascinating tactical battle.
2. Key Player Matchups:
One of the most exciting individual battles will be between Duke’s Tyrese Proctor and Arkansas’ Nick Smith Jr. Proctor is expected to be one of the top guards in the nation, known for his ability to score, distribute, and defend at a high level. Smith, if he returns for his sophomore year, will be another key player for the Razorbacks, possessing a deadly combination of scoring ability and playmaking. Watching these two battle on both ends of the floor will be a highlight of the game.
3. The Coaching Duel:
Jon Scheyer’s leadership at Duke will be tested against Eric Musselman’s established success with Arkansas. Both coaches have a deep understanding of the game and know how to develop their players. Scheyer, still early in his tenure as head coach of Duke, will look to prove that he can continue the program’s legacy, while Musselman will look to elevate Arkansas to even greater heights.
4. Big-Game Atmosphere:
With both teams being highly ranked and anticipated to compete at a high level throughout the season, this game will provide an early gauge of where they stand in the national landscape. For the players, this is an opportunity to make a statement on a big stage. For the fans, it’s an early Thanksgiving gift that will set the tone for the rest of the season.
Why This Game Matters
While it may be early in the season, the outcome of this game could have significant implications for both teams. In a season where national championship aspirations are on the line, getting off to a strong start is crucial. A win at the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic would provide a major confidence boost for either team, especially as they prepare for the challenging months ahead.
For Duke, a victory would help solidify their position as one of the top teams in the ACC and a legitimate national contender under Scheyer’s leadership. For Arkansas, it would be a chance to assert themselves as one of the elite teams in the SEC and the nation as a whole. This early-season contest will help both teams gain valuable exposure and momentum as they move into the thick of their respective conferences’ schedules.
A Must-Watch Showdown
The 2025 CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic between Duke and Arkansas promises to be one of the most thrilling and high-profile games of the 2025-2026 college basketball season. With both teams bringing talent, excitement, and high stakes to the table, this game is not one to be missed. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of either program or just a lover of college basketball, the matchup between these two top-tier teams will undoubtedly offer thrilling moments and a glimpse into what’s to come for the rest of the season.
Mark your calendars for November 27, 2025, and prepare for an unforgettable showdown between the Blue Devils and the Razorbacks. With both programs aiming for greatness, this Thanksgiving Classic is sure to be a high-stakes battle that college basketball fans will remember for years to come!