Best College Basketball Rivalries

Best College Basketball Rivalries

College basketball rivalries are the very definition of competition. Passionate fans, players with superstar potential, and a brilliant atmosphere at games make the following some of the best.

UCLA vs. Arizona

The definitive battle for Pac-12 supremacy that frequently determined the conference champion. This rivalry pits West Coast blue-bloods against each other, setting the stage for historic matchups and launching numerous NBA careers.

Gonzaga vs. Saint Mary’s

This is a fiercely competitive West Coast war that defines mid-major dominance. It's an annual clash of styles and tenacity with huge NCAA Tournament seeding implications for both small, yet elite, programs.

Iowa vs. Iowa State

The passionate Cy-Hawk rivalry fuels bragging rights and state pride across all of Iowa. No matter the teams' records, the highly anticipated non-conference clash is played with intense local hostility every single year.

Michigan State vs. Michigan

This is the ultimate in-state rivalry that truly divides Michigan households. The clash of Tom Izzo's blue-collar toughness (Green) against Michigan's various coaching styles (Blue) always produces physical, memorable battles.

Georgetown vs. Syracuse

The Big East’s nastiest feud peaked in the 1980s and 1990s, defined by the John Thompson and Jim Boeheim intensity. These matchups featured packed, hostile arenas and some of the best defensive talent in the nation.

Kansas vs. Missouri

Known as the "Border War," this rivalry is steeped in Civil War history, creating a pure hostility unmatched by most rivalries. Though dormant for a decade, its recent return sparked immense passion and tradition.

Indiana vs. Purdue

The most important clash for Hoosier state pride, where two basketball-obsessed fanbases battle for in-state supremacy. These games often involve intense defensive struggles and showcase Indiana’s deep basketball culture.

Cincinnati vs. Xavier

The "Crosstown Shootout" features two schools separated by only a few miles but divided by decades of heated battles. The atmosphere is consistently electric, making it one of the most intense local feuds in the sport.

Louisville vs. Kentucky

This "Bluegrass Blood Feud" pits two national powers against each other with state pride and championship ambitions on the line. The battles between the Cardinals and the Wildcats are essential viewing for the entire country.

Duke vs. North Carolina

Tobacco Road’s crown jewel is arguably the greatest rivalry in all of sports. The clash of blue bloods, NBA talent, and unprecedented drama defines college basketball's history and national narrative every season.