The 2025-26 college basketball season is packed with high-stakes non-conference matchups, but none loom larger than Kansas hosting UConn in what’s sure to be a top-five showdown. Kansas revealed its slate Wednesday, featuring a road trip to North Carolina and a neutral-site battle against Duke at Madison Square Garden.
With star-studded rosters and national title aspirations, these games will shape early NCAA Tournament narratives. Let’s take a look at the best non-conference showdowns this upcoming season.
2025-26’s 10 Most Must-See Non-Conference College Basketball Matchups
The 2025-26 men’s college basketball season is loaded with top-tier non-conference matchups, and Kansas is right at the center of it.
From marquee showdowns at Allen Fieldhouse to historic rivalries on neutral courts, the Jayhawks headline what could be one of the strongest early-season schedules in recent memory. Here are five must-watch games, with Kansas vs. UConn standing as the premier showdown.
1. UConn at Kansas: Tues. Dec. 2, 2025
A battle between college basketball royalty takes place in Lawrence when Kansas welcomes UConn for a nationally anticipated matchup.
The Jayhawks, three-time national champions (1988, 2008, 2022), host the reigning back-to-back title holders in UConn (2023, 2024), who now own six national championships overall.
Kansas has released its non-conference schedule for the 2025-26 season. pic.twitter.com/mmBD1AL0yP
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) June 4, 2025
This will be the first of a two-year home-and-home series, with the rematch in Storrs scheduled for 2026. Kansas leads the all-time series 4-0, including a 69-65 win in 2023. Both teams are expected to enter the season ranked in the top five, setting up what could preview a Final Four collision.
UConn vs. BYU: Sat., Nov. 15, 2025 – TD Garden
TD Garden in Boston will host a compelling Hall of Fame Series clash between UConn and BYU. With both teams projected as top-10 contenders, the matchup features high-level talent on both sides. UConn returns All-Conference forward Alex Karaban, while BYU counters with elite recruit AJ Dybantsa, a local product from Brockton.
The programs last met in the 2003 NCAA Tournament, a 58-53 UConn win. This game offers a prime opportunity for BYU, coming off a 2024 Sweet 16 run, to make a national statement under head coach Kevin Young.
Dan Hurley has put together the best non-conference schedule in THE HISTORY OF UCONN BASKETBALL.
BYU (Nov. 15th, TD Garden, Boston)
Arizona (Nov. 19th)
Illinois (MSG, Nov. 28th)
At Kansas (Dec. 2nd)
Florida (MSG, Jimmy V Classic, Dec. 9th)
Texas (Dec. 12th) https://t.co/63QOKGo26P— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) June 4, 2025
Kansas at North Carolina: Fri., Nov. 7, 2025
Two historic programs meet early when Kansas travels to Chapel Hill to take on North Carolina. The Tar Heels boast six national titles and will be a formidable opponent at home.
An early road test like this will provide insight into Kansas’ depth and resilience. With North Carolina likely ranked inside the top 10, the result will shape early national narratives for both squads.
Kansas vs. Duke: Tues., Nov. 18, 2025 – Madison Square Garden
Part of the Champions Classic, this neutral-site clash between Kansas and Duke brings two bluebloods to the spotlight. Combining for nine national titles, both teams are expected to be top-10 programs once again.
Held at the iconic Madison Square Garden, the matchup carries both prestige and postseason implications.
Kansas vs. Missouri: Wed., Dec. 7, 2025 – T-Mobile Center
The Border War reignites in Kansas City as Kansas and Missouri renew their storied rivalry. Though Kansas has had the recent edge, Missouri enters with a competitive roster and a point to prove. The intensity and tradition of this neutral-site showdown make it one of the season’s most anticipated rivalry games.
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