Top 5 biggest college basketball rivalries to look out for in 2024-25 ft. Duke-North Carolina 

Rivalries have been part of sports lore since time immemorial. It gives players and coaches something to look forward to each season as they mark their calendars each year and practice their hearts out to win the games against their hated rivals.

College basketball is no different. Tons of rivalries have become the stuff of legend since the NCAA began and now as the 2024-25 season starts.

Here are the top five biggest college rivalries to look out for in the 2024-25 college basketball season.

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Top 5 biggest college basketball rivalries to look out for in 2024-25

#5. Michigan vs. Ohio State

This is one classic rivalry that fans shouldn't miss. The Big Ten Conference rivals have fought 191 times since Feb. 17, 1909, with the Buckeyes having a 108-83 advantage.

Michigan and Ohio State are even in their last six games with the Buckeyes, under then-interim coach Jake Diebler winning 84-61. It broke Michigan's three-game winning streak from March 6, 2022, to Jan. 15, 2024.

This season, Michigan and Ohio State will play each other on Feb. 16, 2025, at Value City Arena in Columbus.

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#4. Kansas vs. Kansas State

Also known as the Sunflower Showdown, Kansas and Kansas State have met 301 times since January 25, 1907.

Although Kansas has dominated the series, 202-96 (The NCAA vacated three games where Kansas won in 2018 due to the alleged play-for-pay scheme), the last four games have been even at 2-2 with the Wildcats winning the home games while the Jayhawks emerging victorious in the two other games in their arena.

Kansas and Kansas State will meet twice this season on Jan. 18 and Feb. 8.

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#3. Baylor vs. Houston

The Baylor versus Houston clash is one of the newest rivalries to have formed since the Cougars transferred to Big 12. The two teams have met thrice, with the Bears holding a 2-1 edge.

This season, both teams will meet twice, the first is on Feb. 10 at Fertitta Center in Houston and the rematch is set for March 8 at Foster Pavilion. Baylor parades a solid roster that features the guard combo of Jayden Nunn and Jeremy Roach, double-double machine Norchad Omier and five-star recruit V.J. Edgecombe.

On the other hand, Houston will be led by LJ Cryer and Ja'Vier Francis and will be reinforced by transfer Milos Uzan and four-star recruits Mercy Miller and Chase McCarty.

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#2. Indiana vs. Purdue

The Indiana versus Purdue rivalry dates back to 1901 with a total of 219 games tucked between the two teams. Although the Boilermakers lead the series, 127-92, the Hoosiers hold the longest winning streak in the rivalry with 13.

The last six games saw Purdue and Indiana splitting the series, but the Boilermakers have won the last two games thanks to 7-foot-4 center Zach Edey. The two teams will meet twice this season, with Purdue hosting the first game on Jan. 31 at Mackey Arena and the Hoosiers holding court on Feb. 23 at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.

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#1. Duke vs. North Carolina

The rivalry between Duke and North Carolina began on Jan. 24, 1920, with the Tar Heels winning the game, 38-25. There have been 261 more games after their first showdown and they were sought after due to the memorable moments that were etched in college basketball lore.

In the Nov. 18, 2023 issue of Sports Illustrated, the rivalry was ranked as the No. 1 Hottest Rivalry in college basketball and the second best in all sports. North Carolina holds the lead in their all-time series, 145-117, but both teams are tied at 2-2 in their last four games with the Tar Heels winning their 2024 home-and-away series.

Duke and North Carolina will meet two times this season with the first game on Feb. 1 at Cameron Indoor Stadium and the second meeting on March 8 at Dean Smith Center.

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Are there any other college basketball rivalries that deserve to be in the Top 5? Let us know your insights in the comments section below.