A Renewed Rivalry
Villanova University and the University of Kansas have confirmed a home‑and‑home series that will begin on November 27, 2024, when the Wildcats travel to Lawrence to face the Jayhawks on their home floor. The agreement sets the stage for a return matchup in the 2027‑28 season, when Villanova will host Kansas in Philadelphia.
The two programs share a storied history, having split a previous home‑and‑home stretch in 2018‑19 and 2019‑20, each winning on its own court by a combined margin of just four points. Their most recent encounter came in the 2022 Final Four, where Kansas pulled away to an 81‑65 victory, leaving the series tied at five wins apiece overall.
Kansas head coach Bill Self, who had hinted at retirement after the 2022 tournament, announced that he will return for a 24th season, bringing continuity to a program that remains a perennial contender. Self’s decision adds a layer of intrigue to the upcoming meetings, as his experience against Villanova’s recent squads could prove decisive.
Looking Ahead
Villanova’s non‑conference slate also features games against Notre Dame, Michigan, Pittsburgh and Wisconsin, with the full schedule still pending release. The Wildcats will open the 2026‑27 campaign in Rome, where they are slated to meet Notre Dame in a neutral‑site showdown that underscores the team’s global outreach.
The roster overhaul in Philadelphia includes a wave of transfers — Kwame Evans Jr., Devin Royal, Elijah Crawford, Jake Fiegen and Buddy Simmons — as well as a potential 7‑foot‑3 Italian prospect, Luigo Suigo. If Suigo joins the fold, analysts suggest the Wildcats could break into the top 25 nationally, a prospect that excites both fans and recruits alike.
Beyond the on‑court storylines, the series reflects a broader trend of scheduling marquee matchups to boost exposure and revenue, while also giving coaches a chance to fine‑tune strategies ahead of conference play. As the dates approach, anticipation builds across the college basketball community.