Image Credit: CBK Report
Author: Kaleia Knappe
7 min read
College Basketball Report posted an info graphic on July 2, 2026. This graphic shows their opinion of the Top 25 Best Rivalries in College Basketball in 2026. In this 3-part series, I share thoughts on their takes. ‘Perfect Positioning’ describes the ones I agree with, ‘Should Be Lower’ are the ones I believe are less important nationally, and ‘Should Be Higher’ are rivalries I believe are getting the short end of the stick. Click here for ‘Should Be Lower’ and here for ‘Should Be Higher‘. Click here to access the original post by CBK Report
Perfect Positioning:
#1 Duke Blue Devils vs. North Carolina Tar Heels: The “Battle of the Blues” plays in the ACC twice a year, once in the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, and once in Cameron Indoor. Sitting only 10 miles apart, these two teams are forever unable to forget each other. Dark and light blue have been fighting for over a century, with 265 games played since 1920. The Tar Heels have bested the Blue Devils 145 games to 120. Just this past season, in the first meeting between #14 UNC and #1 Duke, UNC came out on top, winning in Chapel Hill 71-68. Later, on March 7th, #1 Duke split the series in Cameron Indoor, outscoring #19 UNC 76-61.
#4 Michigan Wolverines vs. Michigan State Spartans: The Battle of Michigan! The Crisler Center (Michigan) and the Breslin Center (MSU) are 60 miles apart from each other, which allows each university to forget that the other exists…until game day. Michigan leads this series 99-92 (Michigan had to vacate 7 wins due to cheating). With both programs belonging to the Big 10, chaos ensues at least twice a season. This in-state rivalry has spanned almost 120 years. With both teams nationally recognized, this heated contest has earned its place as #4.
#8 Kentucky Wildcats vs. Tennessee Volunteers: Since the two teams’ first meeting in 1910, Tennessee has played Kentucky more than any other opponent. While UK has historically controlled the matchup–including a MASSIVE blowout of 101-40 during the SEC Tournament in 1993. Tennessee is quickly rising under the guidance under veteran coach Rick Barnes. Over the last 5 seasons (2021-2026), the Vols have transformed from a punching bag to a persistent headache. The Wildcats hold a narrow lead, 6-5. Tennessee is gaining national recognition, making this rivalry grow by the year.
#10 North Carolina Tar Heels vs. NC State Wolfpack: Ah yes, the age old “Tobacco Road” rivalry. While UNC dominates the series, 168-82, and treats the Wolfpack as an annoying little brother, NC State has shown that they will put on a fierce fight. On February 17, 2026, the Wolfpack had a growth spurt and destroyed Tar Heels 82-58. With both in the ACC and separated by only 25 miles, this becomes an increasingly hostile environment when they meet.
#13 Marquette Golden Eagles vs. Wisconsin Badgers: The I-94 rivalry is a cross-conference in-state rivalry that began in 1917. The Badgers lead the battle 72-60. This competition is a massive one for Cheese Heads as it serves as the only opportunity to win state bragging rights, because Marquette does not have a football team. In the 1950s, two recruits committed to Wisconsin abandoned campus during conditioning to join Marquette. This led to Wisconsin’s coach refusing to play Marquette for 3 seasons. These teams will meet on December 5, 2026. It’s good positioning for them as they become united in the fall only to violently separate when the basketball season begins.
#14 Texas Longhorns vs. Texas A&M Aggies: This rivalry has had an odd history. Originally, Texas was in the Big 12 and Texas A&M was in the Southwest Conference. The teams played each other regularly. After A&M left the conference, the rivalry went on a hiatus, meeting only a few times until Texas joined the SEC to return to the twice-a-year matchups, in 2024. This rivalry renewed. Although neither of these teams are the most important in Texas, it is still a good one. Texas has led 3-1 since 2024. Overall, since 1917, the Longhorns lead the Aggies 138-86.
#18 Providence Friars vs. Georgetown Hoyas: Now, this is a match you might not see unless you actively follow Big East. These teams clash twice a year, and recently it has grown awkward. In a surprising turn of events, Ed Cooley has now coached BOTH teams in the past few years. This is a relatively new rivalry, beginning in 1956, and the Hoyas lead the series 50-38. It is one to watch if you love family drama.
#19 Creighton Bluejays vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers: What is interesting about these teams is that they come together as one big, happy family to root for the Nebraska football team in the fall because Creighton does not have their own. However, they instantly divorce once basketball season begins. This rivalry began in 1923. While in the 1920s and 1930s they sporadically played, the teams took a hiatus until 1977, when the game became an annual fixture. Historically, Nebraska dominated. However, with Creighton on the rise nationally, the series has become increasingly tight, the Bluejays holding a slight 30-29 lead. This series can go either way each meeting, keeping it fun. Check them out on December 5, 2026.
#20 Akron Zips vs. Kent State Golden Flashes: Mid-major rivalries are often overlooked. As is the case here. These universities play each other twice a year in the MAC and sit 10 miles apart, making the challenge a staple for bragging rights. This rivalry is named the “Wagon Wheel Challenge” after an actual wooden wagon wheel discovered in 1902, said to be used by John Buchtel (founder of Akron University). The prize for winning this game? The wagon wheel! Talk about an interesting trophy! The Zips lead the Golden Flashes 96-82. Make a note to check it out!
#21 Arizona Wildcats vs. UCLA Bruins: Now, this is the battle of old-school power and new-school elite. In recent years, UCLA has faced a decline, while Arizona, under Tommy Lloyd, has become quite the national contender. This matchup was the crown jewel of the Pac-12, with these two programs combining to win 29 of the final 42 Pac-12 regular-season titles. However, conference re-alignment ruined the party, causing Arizona to join the Big 12 and UCLA to leave to the Big 10. Don’t worry, teams still make sure to meet on a neutral court each year. Arizona will take on UCLA on November 2, 2026.
#22 New Mexico Lobos vs. New Mexico State Aggies: The “Rio Grande Rivalry,” as affectionately nicknamed by locals dates to 1904. Originally, the teams would play each other twice a year, but since 2024 it has been cut back to one game to allow the teams more non-conference flexibility. This game leads to bragging rights statewide, turning up the heat even more. New Mexico does not have an NBA team, making college basketball the sole devotion. The Lobos lead 125-105 all-time, and the teams will clash again on December 5, 2026
#25 BYU Cougars vs. Utah Utes: This hotly contested rivalry is almost dead even, with BYU holding only a 5-game lead over Utah. This rivalry has seen multiple triple-overtime thrillers in its 120 year history. The rivalry took a new turn when Utah left the Pac-12 and joined BYU in the Big 12. Now they get to play twice a year in conference play. Talk about more drama. This past year, the teams split the series, each winning in their home stadium.
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