OFFICIAL: Ohio State and North Carolina to Clash in 2025 CBS Sports Classic Showdown
The 2025 CBS Sports Classic is officially set, and college basketball fans have plenty to get excited about. In a marquee matchup of two of the sport’s most storied programs, the Ohio State Buckeyes will face off against the North Carolina Tar Heels in what promises to be a high-octane clash of powerhouse programs. This year’s event, continuing its tradition as one of December’s premier non-conference showcases, will take place at a neutral-site location yet to be announced but expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.
While Kentucky and UCLA will make up the other half of the CBS Sports Classic doubleheader, the spotlight will squarely fall on Ohio State vs. UNC, a matchup with deep roots, high stakes, and plenty of national interest. With both programs projected to be in the national title conversation entering the 2025–26 season, this battle could very well serve as a Final Four preview.
Though not regular opponents, Ohio State and North Carolina have built a compelling rivalry in the modern college basketball era. This will mark the fifth time the two programs meet in the CBS Sports Classic since the event’s inception in 2014. UNC leads the all-time series 13–3, but the Buckeyes pulled off a major upset in 2019 when they routed the then-No. 7 Tar Heels 74–49 in Chapel Hill.
Their most recent clash came in 2022, when UNC pulled off a thrilling 89–84 overtime victory at Madison Square Garden. Now, three years later, the stakes and storylines are elevated.
For Ohio State, the 2025 season represents a new era under head coach Jake Diebler, who officially took over the program in 2024 after serving in an interim role. The Buckeyes are coming off a strong finish to the 2024–25 campaign, including a run to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16—a return to form for a program hungry to reestablish itself among the sport’s elite.
North Carolina, meanwhile, continues its resurgence under head coach Hubert Davis, who has maintained the Tar Heels’ national relevance in the post-Roy Williams era. UNC’s 2024–25 squad returned to the Final Four, led by a mix of experience, elite freshmen, and Davis’ tactical flexibility. That mix is set to return with even more firepower.
Under Diebler, the Buckeyes have emphasized gritty perimeter defense, fast-paced transition offense, and the development of versatile wings. OSU’s 2025–26 roster will likely be led by sophomore guard Jayden Ross, a breakout freshman from the previous season who earned All-Big Ten honors. Add in the expected return of bruising forward Felix Okpara, who provides rim protection and rebounding, and OSU’s identity is clear: athleticism, length, and toughness.
Diebler has also cleaned up on the recruiting trail, securing a top-10 class headlined by five-star guard Darryn Trent, who will likely play key minutes against UNC’s elite backcourt.
North Carolina brings star power in droves. Leading the way is point guard Elliott Cadeau, a junior who’s developed into one of the most electrifying playmakers in the nation. Cadeau’s court vision, passing flair, and improved outside shooting make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Flanking him is rising sophomore wing Drake Powell, a five-star defender with NBA potential.
Also expected to return is big man Jalen Washington, who brings size, footwork, and mid-range scoring. UNC is also welcoming top-five recruit KJ Evans, a 6-foot-9 forward with elite two-way potential. With depth, talent, and cohesion, this Tar Heels team may be Hubert Davis’ best yet.
Both UNC and OSU will enter the game as likely top-15 squads, and a win could elevate either into the top 10 heading into conference play. For Diebler, it’s a chance to earn a signature win and prove Ohio State is back among college basketball’s blue bloods. For Davis and UNC, it’s about setting the tone for a national title run.
CBS and its broadcasters have already labeled the Buckeyes vs. Tar Heels game as “the headline event” of the doubleheader. The game is expected to draw millions of viewers and could serve as a springboard for stars like Cadeau, Powell, and Ross to climb into national player of the year conversations.
Since its launch in 2014, the CBS Sports Classic has consistently brought together four of the sport’s most iconic programs: North Carolina, Ohio State, Kentucky, and UCLA. Each year, the event rotates matchups to ensure variety and national intrigue.
Here’s a quick historical recap:
| Year | Location | UNC Opponent | Ohio State Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Chicago | Ohio State | North Carolina | UNC 82–74 |
| 2017 | New Orleans | Ohio State | North Carolina | UNC 86–72 |
| 2019 | Las Vegas | UCLA | North Carolina | OSU 74–49 |
| 2022 | New York City | Ohio State | North Carolina | UNC 89–84 (OT) |
As the table shows, UNC has gotten the better of OSU in most CBS matchups, but Ohio State’s 2019 win remains a modern highlight. That victory also coincided with the Buckeyes being ranked among the top five nationally. Could 2025 be the year they reclaim that stature?
Every major non-conference matchup in December helps shape the larger NCAA Tournament landscape. Given the prestige of the CBS Sports Classic and the projected strength of both teams, this contest could serve as a quad 1 win, influencing seed lines for March Madness.
UNC will likely enter the season as a projected No. 1 or 2 seed if they maintain their expected roster. A win over Ohio State could cement that status. Meanwhile, OSU will use this game as an opportunity to shake off recent early tournament exits and strengthen their resume. A victory over North Carolina would likely catapult the Buckeyes into serious contention for a top-4 seed.
Though the location has yet to be officially announced, sources close to CBS have hinted at Las Vegas, Phoenix, or Indianapolis as the likely venues. Each of these cities offers a centralized location and a history of hosting high-energy neutral-site games.
Wherever the game is played, expect huge fan turnouts from both programs. UNC fans travel well and routinely pack out venues across the country. Ohio State, with one of the nation’s largest alumni bases, is just as formidable. Combined with the national stage of CBS, expect the arena to feel like a mini NCAA Tournament atmosphere.
The 2025 CBS Sports Classic is scheduled for Saturday, December 20, with Ohio State vs. North Carolina tipping off at 3:30 PM ET on CBS. The game will also be available via streaming on Paramount+ and through the CBS Sports mobile app.
Brad Nessler and Clark Kellogg are expected to be on the call, adding veteran commentary to what promises to be a thrilling matchup. CBS is also planning a full-day college basketball showcase, with features on both programs, coaches, and past classics.
In an era where non-conference matchups are often watered down due to cautious scheduling, the CBS Sports Classic continues to deliver elite-level basketball. Ohio State vs. North Carolina is not just a game—it’s a cultural and competitive clash between two tradition-rich titans of the hardwood.
Expect an intense, physical, and up-tempo contest. Expect the stars to shine. And most of all, expect a game that will leave a lasting impact on the 2025–26 season.