Conference rivalries are what give college basketball its unique flavor. They elevate ordinary contests into must-see events and provide fans with a personal team to root for in the collectively chaotic college basketball landscape. Rivalry games have such an emotional factor that records seem to go out the window, and both teams play with such passion that you get games remembered well beyond the season.
There are so many games in the 2025–26 NCAAB season that carry that kind of significance. Some are the product of decades of history, and some come courtesy of coaching battles and conference realignment.
St. John’s Red Storm vs. UConn Huskies
This Big East rivalry has become one of the best coaching matchups in the game. Dan Hurley and Rick Pitino each come with championship cred, prominent personalities, and a win-at-all-costs attitude in every contest. St. John’s recent resurgence under Pitino has tipped the conference power balance.
What was once a UConn-wrecking game now feels like an all-out Big East war. Every game has postseason ramifications, especially when both programs are national title hopefuls. There’s more intrigue, too, because of the tactical contrast between the two coaches. Hurley focuses on the long-term development of his players through recruiting, while Pitino leverages the transfer portal.
Fans who want to participate differently can now do so through live college basketball betting. From predicting the highest scorer to betting on team totals or in-game events, wagering adds another dimension of excitement to an already fierce rivalry.
Michigan State Spartans vs. Michigan Wolverines
The Michigan State rivalry is a competition for the who’s who of basketball in the state. When these two teams get together, it seems like more than just a game. Fans and players on both sides consider it a must–win – regardless of each team’s current position.
The schools are, geographically speaking, about an hour apart, so the rivalry has always been relatively close and personal. Fans frequently bump into one another, and the two players are aware of how much this fixture matters. That familiarity makes every game a little fiercer.
Michigan State has dominated of late, which means even more. Michigan wants to push back, Spartans want to stand firm. The January 30 and March 8 meetings may decide the Big Ten race and shape postseason momentum for both teams.
USC Trojans vs. UCLA Bruins
This historic rivalry has always been important on the West Coast, but switching conferences allows it to take place on a bigger stage with greater stakes. When the two teams clash, fans and players can feel all that pressure. The intensity is heightened by the fact that the two teams are in the same city. The schools vie for the same recruits, attention, and local bragging rights.
The February 24 and March 7 games come at critical points in the season. What these two do could mean a lot for conference standings and how they feel going into the postseason.
Duke Blue Devils vs. North Carolina Tar Heels
The North Carolina-Duke rivalry is the best in college basketball. The two are perennial national powers with a combined 11 NCAA championships and a host of Final Four appearances. They also play late in the season, when the stakes often go beyond the conference standings to include potential implications for the NCAA tournament.
Games like this are littered with highlight plays, clutch moments , and strategic matchups that make each and every second worth watching. Prop bets give fans a new way to follow those moments by focusing on individual performances, scoring milestones, and key matchups throughout the contest. Be sure to read the Best College Basketball Props to Watch, from points, rebounds, and assists to odd in-game situations, as these props shed light on the most exciting moments in the rivalry.
There is also a deep cultural contrast that fuels the rivalry. North Carolina is a flagship state university, while Duke’s private school status creates a different atmosphere and fan base. Pack on decades of legendary coaching duels and unforgettable moments, and the March 7 meeting looms as one of the awaited moments of the 2025-26 season.
Looking Ahead to the Biggest Showdowns
College basketball in the 2025–26 season will boil down to these epic rivalries. From North Carolina at Duke to the Indiana and Michigan in-state rivalries, these games have passion and buzz pre-tip. Every game counts in conference standings, postseason hopes, and rival bragging rights. New conference arrangements and coaching pairings bring fresh energy, making every game a must-see. Fans should expect moments memorable enough to define this season and be remembered in college basketball for years to come.
