Top 25 Rivalries in Men’s College Basketball

We’re wrapping up our series on the 100 Best Rivalries in Men’s College Basketball with a detailed look at the top 25 matchups.

In case you missed it, we’ve previously highlighted the top 100 rivalries in the sport.

25. St. John’s vs. University College

When these teams first entered the Big East, St. John’s initially had the upper hand, but since the early ’90s, University College has consistently outperformed them—especially after Rick Pitino’s recent arrival in Queens. This rivalry has quickly grown in intensity and passion, thanks to both teams’ successes and their enthusiastic head coaches.

24. Providence vs. Georgetown

This Big East rivalry has ramped up in recent years, primarily due to some coaching changes. Providence fans were devastated when Ed Cooley, the beloved local coach, moved to a rival school, intensifying the animosity. Since then, their matchups have become quite the spectacle, capturing fans’ attention during every encounter.

23. West Virginia vs. Pitt

Although this rivalry had more significance when both teams were in the Big East, it still delivers on intensity and quality today. West Virginia leads the all-time series with 101 wins to Pitt’s 89.

22. North Carolina vs. North Carolina State University

Some North Carolina fans might not love seeing this rivalry ranked among the top 25. Yes, NC State has historically performed better, and sure—this game often seems to mean more to the Wolfpack. Yet, it remains one of the oldest and most celebrated rivalries in college basketball.

Located just two miles from each other, the intensity of this rivalry is palpable. The teams have shared the court since 1953, and their 1990 face-offs, including a dramatic 124-117 win for Lipscomb, are still notable.

19. Wisconsin vs. Marquette

This I-94 rivalry rarely gets the recognition it deserves, which is baffling. Both schools have a rich history in basketball, facing off nearly every year since 1917. Wisconsin has a series lead at 71-60, but the margin is just 34 points—a close contest, to say the least.

It’s a quintessential Big Ten rivalry. Even though their conference affiliations have changed, watching these two teams compete feels significant and invigorating.

17. New Mexico vs. New Mexico State

The average sports fan might not grasp the depth of rivalry here. Over the past 15 years, there’s been a lot of drama, including controversial coaching switch-ups and even off-court incidents. And both teams have made a total of 15 NCAA Tournament appearances since 2010.

16. Holy War: BYU vs. Utah

This matchup is filled with emotion, akin to the intensity seen in their soccer rivalry. Even in basketball, the history is rich and heated.

15. Kent State vs. Akron

Often overshadowed by Gonzaga-St. Mary’s, this mid-major rivalry is one of pure disdain. Their long-standing resentment reached a peak recently when Kent State players faced suspension after a locker room incident during the championship game in 2022. Akron took advantage of that and won, but Kent State got their revenge the following year.

As of 2024, a heart-wrenching moment occurred when a Kent State player unintentionally fouled an Akron competitor, allowing the Zips to advance in the tournament. Just a narrow miss from a rematch put Akron back in the spotlight this season.

14. Illinois vs. Missouri

These regional rivals have also kept their rivalry alive since 1932, meeting annually for several years. Currently, Illinois leads the series with a 35-20 advantage.

13. Kansas vs. Kansas State University

This “Sunflower Showdown” has gained attention lately, especially with Kansas State rising in popularity. Although Kansas leads the series 203-97, K-State has made a mark in recent seasons with consistent wins.

12. Kentucky vs. Tennessee

This border battle has grown increasingly intense, particularly because Tennessee has scored victories against Kentucky lately. Both sides have valid arguments for their pride—Kentucky’s historic performances versus Tennessee’s recent success.

Don’t underestimate the basketball aspect of this rivalry; while it may not match the football intensity, there’s no denying the passion exhibited on the hardwood. Alabama holds the series lead overall, but it’s fiercely competitive every time.

11. UCLA vs. Arizona

Though these teams began meeting in 1923, it wasn’t until Arizona joined the Pac-10 that their rivalry took off. Both schools often find themselves competing as top teams. UCLA leads the series 64-50, and the rivalry continues in an enjoyable format despite conference changes.

10. Gonzaga vs. St. Mary’s

In recent years, no two teams have exerted dominance over the West Coast Conference like Gonzaga and St. Mary’s. They have clashed in the WCC Tournament championship games multiple times, with Gonzaga notably participating in every championship game since 1997. Their rivalry is marked by fierce competition and, yes, mutual animosity.

9. Iowa State vs. Iowa

The atmosphere for this December matchup is nearly unmatched. Each team knows the stakes are high since they won’t see the other again for a whole year. Iowa State holds the series lead, but the competition keeps escalating.

8. Michigan State vs. Michigan

This rivalry has always had an edge, and it seems poised to intensify further in the coming years. Tom Izzo’s rivalry with John Beilein has transitioned to a potentially exciting face-off with Dusty May, especially with the close competition observed recently.

7. Georgetown vs. Syracuse

Once considered the prime rivalry, this one has slowed down due to conference shifts and both programs’ struggles, especially Georgetown’s. Still, the prospect of these two teams meeting in the near future remains eagerly anticipated by fans.

6. Missouri vs. Kansas

This rivalry experienced a long hiatus following conference realignment, but recent clashes have reignited the intensity. Missouri managed to score a victory against Kansas after years of rivalry silence.

5. Purdue vs. Indiana

Purdue has reached elite status while Indiana has yet to find its footing. Given their history, any encounter between these two is filled with high stakes and palpable tension—especially in their heated matchups.

4. Cincinnati vs. Xavier

This city rivalry sees intense competition every time they face off, with notorious fans filling the gym. Cincinnati leads the all-time series, but Xavier has been on a roll in recent meetings. This game consistently attracts attention, often more than we might expect.

3. Louisville vs. Kentucky

No rivalry matters more to the fanbases of Kentucky and Louisville. Basketball is the heartbeat of the Bluegrass State, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Their historical dominance comes into play, but Kentucky holds a notable winning edge as they prepare for another matchup in November.

2. Duke vs. North Carolina

The rivalry simply defies description. It often overshadows all other matchups in college basketball. You can discuss stats, histories, and renowned storylines, but at the end of the day, both teams deliver remarkable performances consistently.