This in-state rivalry defines basketball in Indiana, where the sport is almost a religion. Purdue has historically dominated the series, but Indiana's five national titles, especially under Bob Knight, give them bragging rights. The rivalry has only heated up in the modern era, with both teams regularly contending for Big Ten supremacy.
UCLA is the gold standard of college basketball, thanks to John Wooden’s dynasty, while Arizona emerged as a powerhouse under Lute Olson in the '90s. The matchup frequently determines the Pac-12 champion and features some of the nation’s top NBA prospects.
This is one of the fiercest intra-state rivalries in sports. Kentucky, with its blue-blood status, and Louisville, with its scrappy, underdog mentality, create an electric atmosphere every time they meet. Since Rick Pitino coached both teams, the rivalry became even more personal.
This Big Ten showdown has become one of the most anticipated games of the season, especially under Tom Izzo’s dominance at MSU. While Michigan has historically been a football school, its resurgence under Juwan Howard and the Fab Five era made this a must-watch rivalry.
Unlike most rivalries, which span entire states, Cincinnati and Xavier are just three miles apart. The games are intensely physical and have often led to fights, trash talk, and wild finishes. The 2011 brawl that resulted in multiple suspensions and ejections cemented this as one of the most heated rivalries in the game.
This rivalry peaked in the 1980s when John Thompson’s Georgetown teams and Jim Boeheim’s Syracuse squads ruled the Big East. The matchups featured NBA stars like Patrick Ewing and Carmelo Anthony, legendary coaches, and last-second buzzer-beaters. Even after Syracuse left for the ACC, the rivalry remains one of the best in college basketball history.
One of the oldest rivalries in sports, Kansas vs. Missouri stems from Civil War history, making it deeply personal. The rivalry was at its peak when both teams regularly battled for Big 12 titles. Even after Missouri left for the SEC, the bitterness between fan bases remains strong.
Though Maryland is now in the Big Ten, its 2000s rivalry with Duke was legendary. The early 2000s saw epic battles between Coach K’s Blue Devils and Gary Williams' Terps, including Maryland’s 2002 national championship season. Intense crowds, iconic comebacks, and personal grudges defined this rivalry.
Kansas dominates the all-time series, but that doesn’t stop Kansas State’s passionate fans from making every game feel like a championship. The 2019 brawl between players and fans showed just how heated this rivalry remains.
This is the biggest rivalry in college basketball, period. Both teams are blue bloods, producing NBA superstars, Hall of Fame coaches, and unforgettable moments. Whether it’s Coach K vs. Roy Williams, Michael Jordan’s heroics, or the 2022 Final Four showdown, no rivalry has more national attention, history, and intensity than Duke vs. UNC.
