Ohio State’s CBS Sports Classic Rival Revealed—But It’s the Location That’s Turning Heads

As whispers about Ohio State’s upcoming basketball slate begin to surface, there’s a tangible buzz in the air—even if last season left a slight taste of disappointment. Coach Jake Diebler and the Buckeyes are clearly plotting a comeback, aiming to flip the script after a lackluster run. What really caught my eye, though, is the revival and reshuffling of the CBS Sports Classic, especially given the Big Ten’s recent expansion westward. With UCLA bowing out and St. John’s stepping in, the classic’s dynamic is shifting—and that match-up between Ohio State and North Carolina in Atlanta promises to be a heavyweight showdown. Remember, these two teams have tangled before, leaving a trail of memorable moments, overtime battles included. The stakes? Nothing less than bragging rights for the best record in this prestigious event. Buckle up, because this winter might just deliver some jaw-dropping basketball drama. LEARN MORE

We are starting to get some information trickling out about the Ohio State basketball schedule. Though last season wasn’t a very good one for the Buckeyes, head coach Jake Diebler and the program hope that this coming year will be an improved one.The Tar Heels defeated Ohio State 89-84 in an overtime contest back in 2022. All told, Carolina leads the series in the CBS Sports Classic three games to none, while the Buckeyes have an overall record of 6-4 in the event, behind only UNC’s 7-4 record. In other words, this winter’s battle will be a battle for the best mark in the event.Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.

According to the CBS Sports Classic website, things will tip off in State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, with the Buckeyes matching up with North Carolina. That, of course, means the other battle will involve Kentucky and St. John’s. UNC and OSU are no strangers to each other and have had some pretty significant history as of late, largely because of the CBS Sports Classic.

OSU upset Kentucky last year in the event, 82-62.

Well, we have a bit of an answer, at least for this coming winter. Ohio State, North Carolina, and Kentucky are still a part of the event, but UCLA has been replaced by St. John’s. Now, all that’s left is to figure out what the matchups will be and where it’ll all take place. Last year’s was in New York City in the venerable Madison Square Garden, but the four-team event has traveled around the country each year.One thing we’ve wondered since West Coast teams Oregon, Washington, UCLA, and USC joined the Big Ten is how the annual CBS Sports Classic will look, considering the Bruins were a part of the four teams that took part in the event every year. As a reminder, the event rotated matchups between OSU, the Bruins, North Carolina, and Kentucky since its inception in 2014.