The CBS Sports Classic will return to New York City on December 19, featuring a marquee matchup between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Kansas Jayhawks at noon Eastern Time. The game headlines a doubleheader that also includes Kentucky and North Carolina, each set for a 2:30 p.m. start at Madison Square Garden.
A renewed rivalry on the national stage
Ohio State and Kansas have met 11 times over the decades, with Kansas holding an 8‑3 advantage. The Buckeyes' most recent victory over the Jayhawks came in December 1986, while their last encounter in 2012 ended in a 74‑66 loss in Columbus.
The Classic has become a staple of mid‑December college basketball, showcasing four elite programs in a single day of non‑conference play. Since 2014 Ohio State has appeared in the event seven times, facing traditional powerhouses such as Kentucky, North Carolina and UCLA, compiling a 7‑6 record.
This year the Jayhawks replace UCLA in the lineup, adding a fresh storyline to the proceedings. For Kansas, the game offers a chance to extend their historical edge, while Ohio State hopes to rewrite the narrative with a win that would resonate beyond the holiday schedule.
Fans can expect a high‑stakes atmosphere at Madison Square Garden, where the Buckeyes will look to leverage home‑state support and a storied tradition against a program that has consistently challenged them. The outcome will be closely watched as a barometer for both teams' early‑season form.