This season’s nonconference slate is packed with must-watch matchups featuring powerhouse programs and high-stakes showdowns. From early-season clashes to games with potential NCAA tournament implications, these are the 10 games every college basketball fan needs on their radar, according to Andy Katz.
Baylor at Gonzaga | Nov. 4
Two powerhouse programs with championship pedigrees kick off the 2024-25 season in what promises to be a marquee showdown. Gonzaga and Baylor clash for the first of a three-game series over the next three seasons, with the Zags looking to avenge their last two losses to the Bears, including the 2021 national title game. Both teams are ranked in the top 10 of the preseason AP poll, making this a must-watch early-season battle between two of the most respected coaches in college basketball — Mark Few and Scott Drew.
North Carolina at Kansas | Nov. 8
Two blue bloods collide when North Carolina heads to Allen Fieldhouse to face Kansas in a 2022 national championship rematch. Kansas, riding a four-game win streak in the series, will look to extend its recent success in head-to-head matchups. With both teams tied at 6-6 in their all-time meetings, the stage is set for another thrilling matchup between two of college basketball’s most storied programs.
Auburn vs. Iowa State in Maui | Nov. 25
Auburn and Iowa State open the 2024 Maui Invitational with a top-15 showdown in paradise. Both teams come into the season with high expectations and star-studded rosters, setting the stage for an intense battle in one of college basketball’s premier early-season tournaments. With the all-time series tied 2-2, this matchup could go either way as both teams look to start strong in the tournament’s 40th anniversary. The winner will face either North Carolina or Dayton in the next round, adding even more intrigue to this exciting November clash.
Duke vs. Kansas in Las Vegas | Nov. 26
Duke and Kansas clash in Las Vegas on Nov. 26, headlining the 2024 Vegas Showdown. Both teams are among the winningest programs in DI men’s basketball history, and this game promises to be a heavyweight battle. Kansas, led by preseason All-American Hunter Dickinson, enters as the preseason AP poll No. 1 team, while Duke features top recruit Cooper Flagg. Duke leads the all-time series 8-6, and this year’s meeting could be a preview of the NCAA tournament’s biggest stages.
MORE RANKS: Katz’s preseason Power 37 picks for 2024-25
Houston vs Alabama in Las Vegas | Nov. 26
Alabama and Houston, both ranked in the preseason top 5, will square off in Las Vegas on Nov. 26 in the first game of the inaugural Players Era Festival. The Crimson Tide have had the upper hand in recent years, winning two close matchups in 2021 and 2022, but Houston will look to even the score behind a stout defense and All-Big 12 stars J’Wan Roberts and L.J. Cryer.
Alabama at North Carolina | Dec. 4
In a highly-anticipated Sweet 16 rematch, North Carolina hosts Alabama in the ACC/SEC Challenge at the Dean E. Smith Center. The Tar Heels will look to avenge last March’s 89-87 loss, which ended their NCAA tournament run. Two preseason AP All-Americans will be on the court with North Carolina’s RJ Davis and Alabama’s Mark Sears.
Baylor at UConn | Dec. 4
Two recent national champions collide as Baylor heads to Connecticut to face back-to-back title winner UConn in the 2024 Big East-Big 12 Battle on Dec. 4. This marks the first meeting between the programs since 1965. Baylor is looking for its first road win against a Big East team in Scott Drew’s tenure.
Auburn at Duke | Dec. 4
Auburn travels to Cameron Indoor Stadium for a marquee showdown against Duke in the ACC/SEC Challenge on Dec. 4. With both teams ranked in the preseason top 15 — Duke at No. 8 and Auburn at No. 11 — this game promises high-intensity action.
Gonzaga vs. UConn in New York | Dec. 14
Gonzaga and UConn will meet on college basketball’s biggest stage at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 14 for the Hall of Fame Series. UConn has won the past two meetings, picking up a 76-63 win over Gonzaga last December and a dominant 82-54 victory in the 2023 Elite Eight.
Illinois vs. Duke in New York | Feb. 21
Illinois and Duke will clash at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 21 in the SentinelOne Classic. Both teams are coming off Elite Eight appearances last season. Duke, led by Flagg and the No. 1 recruiting class, as well as returnees Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster, will face an Illinois squad fresh off a Big Ten title and a fifth-consecutive 20-win season under Brad Underwood.
