A Thanksgiving Tradition Renewed
On Thanksgiving Day, the basketball world will turn its eyes to Detroit, where Arkansas and Michigan State are set to meet at Little Caesars Arena. The matchup, televised by CBS and streamed on Paramount+, marks the latest chapter in a holiday tradition that has drawn record audiences in recent years.
Both programs arrive as preseason top‑15 contenders, with Michigan State holding the No. 5 spot and Arkansas ranked No. 11. The Spartans bring a 3‑0 edge in the all‑time series, a statistic that adds extra intrigue to a game that already promises high stakes.
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo expressed enthusiasm about the Detroit venue, noting the city’s basketball heritage and the opportunity to test his squad against a formidable opponent. Arkansas coach John Calipari, meanwhile, highlighted the national exposure the Thanksgiving slot provides, emphasizing how the game can showcase his team’s talent to a broad audience.
The rosters feature a blend of established contributors and fresh talent. For the Spartans, returning guards Jeremy Fears Jr. and Coen Carr are expected to anchor the backcourt, while Arkansas will rely on a highly touted recruiting class that includes Jordan Smith Jr. and JJ Andrews. Additional newcomers such as Cam Ward, Julius Avent, Jasiah Jervis, Carlos Medlock Jr., Ethan Taylor, Billy Richmond, Jeremiah Wilkinson, Cooper Bowser, Abdou Toure, Miika Muurinen and others are slated to add depth.
The game also revives memories of last year’s Thanksgiving clash between Arkansas and Duke, which stands as the most‑watched regular‑season contest since 1993. That precedent underscores the growing importance of the holiday double‑header for college basketball, a format that continues to attract viewers and sponsors alike.