Kansas Basketball’s CBS Sports Classic Extension Sparks Excitement and Rivalry Rumors Through 2029
When it comes to college hoops, adding a powerhouse like Kansas to the CBS Sports Classic lineup is like sweetening a pie that’s already just about perfect. This isn’t just any addition — it’s a strategic move that elevates a marquee event featuring legendary programs like Kentucky, North Carolina, and Ohio State. Picture this: come December 19, 2026, the Jayhawks will lock horns with the Buckeyes at the iconic Madison Square Garden — a stage that promises electric showdowns and unforgettable basketball moments. This switch-up follows St. John’s recent replacement of UCLA and signals a fresh, riveting era for this rotating doubleheader, set to thrill fans through 2030. Kansas, under Self’s leadership, brings serious pedigree, ranking near the top historically in wins and national titles, amplifying the stature of an already prestigious showcase. It’s a move that not only pleases the purists but also adds a fresh layer of intrigue to the nonconference scene come winter. If you’re as pumped about this as I am, there’s plenty more to unpack.
The CBS Sports Classic is adding another blue blood to its showcase event.
CBS Sports announced on Wednesday, Jan. 28 that No. 14 Kansas has been added to its annual men’s college basketball showcase that features Ohio State, North Carolina and Kentucky. The Jayhawks will face the Buckeyes on Saturday, Dec. 19 at Madison Square Garden in the 2026-27 season, with the other matchup including the Tar Heels vs. the Wildcats.
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The Jayhawks replace St. John’s in the field after the Red Storm and Rick Pitino replaced UCLA and Mick Cronin in the 2025 CBS Sports Classic. Kansas announced the news itself shortly after CBS Sports’ release.
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The doubleheader event will rotate matchups and venue sites each season, with matchups set through the 2029-2030 season.
Under Self, the Jayhawks further their status as one of men’s college basketball’s biggest blue bloods. The Jayhawks rank second for the most wins among Division I men’s college basketball programs, and rank seventh for the most national championship titles since 1939, the first of the NCAA Tournament, at seven.
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Since its start in 2014, the CBS Sports Classic has served as one of the marquee non-conference showcases in college basketball each season. With Kansas’ addition to the field, the CBS Sports Classic now has two teams that also compete in the annual Champions Classic, with the other being Kentucky.
Kansas is 15-5 overall and 5-2 in Big 12 play this season despite missing star freshman guard Darryn Peterson for a handful of games due to different injuries. Peterson is expected to be available for the Jayhawks next Big 12 game on Saturday, Jan. 31 against BYU, according to CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein.
Future CBS Sports Classic matchups
Here’s a breakdown of upcoming CBS Sports Classic matchups through the 2029 season:
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2026 (Dec. 19 at Madison Square Garden, New York)
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Kansas vs. Ohio State
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North Carolina vs. Kentucky
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2027 (Dec. 18)
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Kentucky vs. Ohio State
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Kansas vs. North Carolina
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2028 (Dec. 16)
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Kansas vs. Kentucky
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North Carolina vs. Ohio State
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2029 (Dec. 15)
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Ohio State vs. Kansas
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Kentucky vs. North Carolina
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: CBS Sports Classic adds college basketball blue blood to field
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