The 2026 Jimmy V Classic will feature a marquee showdown between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Duke Blue Devils at Madison Square Garden, marking a rare meeting of two storied programs.
A historic reunion on the national stage
It will be the first meeting between the Bulldogs and the Blue Devils since 1932, and only the sixth overall in history, with Georgia holding a 3‑2 edge in the all‑time series.
The game adds a personal twist: Georgia’s head coach Mike White’s father, Kevin White, served as Duke’s athletic director from 2008 to 2021, weaving a subtle family connection into the narrative.
Duke's rise under Scheyer
Under fifth‑year head coach Jon Scheyer, Duke enters the matchup with a strong outlook, having reached at least the Elite Eight in each of the past three seasons and being projected as a top‑five team for the 2026‑27 campaign.
Scheyer’s squad will be anchored by returning standouts such as Patrick Ngongba, Cayden Boozer and Caleb Foster, while the addition of former Wisconsin guard John Blackwell from the transfer portal bolsters the backcourt.
Despite the loss of top recruit Cameron Boozer to the NBA, Duke’s depth and experience give it a favorable profile, with early rankings consistently placing the Blue Devils among the nation’s elite.
Georgia's new chapter
Georgia, meanwhile, brings its own momentum, led by coach Mike White, whose father’s tenure at Duke adds a layer of intrigue to the rivalry.
The Jimmy V Classic, named in honor of legendary coach Jim Valvano, serves as a showcase for charitable basketball events, and this edition promises to draw significant attention from fans and media alike.