The 2025-26 men’s college basketball season is set to start on Nov. 3, and just as a new chapter of Division I hoops begins, there’s a ton of quality nonconference matchups lined up to get fans hooked. The favorites in the AP preseason poll — including Purdue, Houston, Florida, UConn, St. John’s, and Duke — will have their scheduled games during the week to generate further interest.
With this in mind, here are the top games to watch in the first week of the 2025 men’s college basketball season.
Top 15 Men’s College Basketball Games to Watch in Week 1 of 2025-26 Season
#1. No. 13 Arizona vs. No. 3 Florida
Date: Nov. 3, 2025
Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV/ Streaming: TNT/truTV
Prediction: With its championship experience and the teamwork of its returning players, Florida is expected to beat Arizona, which boasts a roster that includes two five-star and two four-star recruits, including the son of four-time MVP LeBron James. The score will be 80-75.
#2. No. 15 Alabama vs. No. 5 St. John’s
Date: Nov. 8, 2025
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
Time: 12 p.m. ET
TV/ Streaming: FS1
Prediction: With legendary coach Rick Pitino leading the charge, St. John’s will use Madison Square Garden as its springboard for another dominant season in the Big East. The Red Storm will dominate Nate Oats’ Crimson Tide, 82-68, on Saturday.
#3. No. 14 Arkansas vs. No. 22 Michigan State
Date: Nov. 8, 2025
Location: Breslin Center, East Lansing, Michigan
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV/ Streaming: FOX
Prediction: Tom Izzo’s Michigan State will use its home-court advantage to overpower the John Calipari-coached Arkansas, 78-74, in overtime.
#4. No. 19 Kansas vs. No. 25 North Carolina
Date: Nov. 7, 2025
Location: Dean Smith Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV/ Streaming: ESPN
Prediction: The matchup between North Carolina five-star prospect Caleb Wilson and Kansas standout Darryn Peterson will take center stage as both teams rekindle their rivalry. In the end, Kansas will have enough firepower to overcome North Carolina, 84-77.
#5. Texas vs. No. 6 Duke
Date: Nov. 4, 2025
Location: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
Time: 8:45 p.m. ET
TV/ Streaming: ESPN
Prediction: Five-star recruits Cameron Boozer, Nikolas Khamenia, and Dame Sarr will spearhead Duke’s campaign to build on its Final Four finish last season. The trio will lead the Blue Devils to an 85-66 win over Texas.
#6. Evansville vs. No. 1 Purdue
Date: Nov. 4, 2025
Location: Mackey Arena, West Lafayette, Indiana
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
TV/ Streaming: Big 10 Network
Prediction: Matt Painter’s Purdue will prove its No. 1 ranking in the AP preseason poll is no fluke. The Boilermakers will beat Evansville 105-54 in their season opener.
#7. Lehigh vs. No. 2 Houston
Date: Nov. 3, 2025
Location: Fertitta Center, Houston, Texas
Time: 8 p.m. ET
TV/ Streaming: CBS Sports Network
Prediction: Houston will open the season on a high note against Lehigh in its quest to finally win a national championship after three failed tries. The Cougars will outclass the Mountain Hawks 88-55.
#8. New Haven vs. No. 4 UConn
Date: Nov. 3, 2025
Location: Gampel Pavilion, Storrs, Connecticut
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV/ Streaming: ESPN+/ESPN Select/Unlimited
Prediction: Dan Hurley’s UConn will showcase its highly touted freshman class and transfer additions against New Haven. The Huskies will dominate and prove they remain a national powerhouse, beating the Cougars 87-58.
#9. No. 8 BYU vs. Villanova
Date: Nov. 3, 2025
Location: T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada
Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
TV/ Streaming: TNT/truTV
Prediction: Five-star freshman AJ Dybantsa will make his much-anticipated debut and lead BYU to an 85-78 win over Villanova, coached by Kevin Willard. Senior Richie Saunders will add steady offense for the Kevin Young-led Cougars in their season debut.
#10. Oakland vs. No. 7 Michigan
Date: Nov. 3, 2025
Location: Crisler Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
TV/ Streaming: FS1
Prediction: Prized transfer Yaxel Lendeborg will make an early impact for Michigan, showcasing his versatility against Oakland. Dusty May’s team will roll to an 83-60 win to open the 2025-26 men’s college basketball season.
#11. Nicholls vs. No. 9 Kentucky
Date: Nov. 4, 2025
Location: Rupp Arena, Lexington, Kentucky
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV/ Streaming: ESPN+/SECN+
Prediction: Mark Pope’s Kentucky will open its 2025-26 campaign at Rupp Arena for the BBN United Tipoff Classic. Loaded with talent from both high school recruits and transfer portal additions, the Wildcats will start strong, cruising past Nicholls 115-65.
#12. Lindenwood vs No. 10 Texas Tech
Date: Nov. 4, 2025
Location: United Supermarkets Arena, Lubbock, Texas
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV/ Streaming: ESPN+
Prediction: With JT Toppin leading the charge, Texas Tech will dominate both halves for a 100-65 victory. It will be a solid season opener for the Red Raiders, who will use their first two games to prepare for a visit to the State Farm Center against Illinois.
MORE: Matt Painter’s Biggest Worry Emerges As Purdue Gets ‘Butt Kicked’ by Impressive Kentucky
#13. South Carolina State vs No. 11 Louisville
Date: Nov. 3, 2025
Location: KFC Yum! Center, Louisville, Kentucky
Time: 9 p.m. ET
TV/ Streaming: ACC Network
Prediction: The Louisville Cardinals will start their 2025-26 college basketball season strong, with five-star commit Mikel Brown leading the team to an impressive 95-68 win over South Carolina State.
#14. Eastern Washington vs. No. 12 UCLA
Date: Nov. 3, 2025
Location: Pauley Pavilion, Los Angeles, California
Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
TV/ Streaming: Big Ten Network
Prediction: Mick Cronin and his UCLA squad will outplay Dan Monson’s Eastern Washington to earn their first win of the season, 90-63.
#15. Bethune-Cookman vs No. 20 Auburn
Date: Nov. 3, 2025
Location: Neville Arena, Auburn, Alabama
Time: 8 p.m. ET
TV/ Streaming: SEC+
Prediction: The debut of Steven Pearl as Auburn head coach will be the highlight of the Tigers’ first game of the 2025-26 season. Pearl will lean on his experience to guide Auburn to an 85-71 win over Bethune-Cookman.