On Thanksgiving night, Duke Blue Devils and Arkansas Razorbacks will turn the United Center into a college basketball cathedral. The 2025 CBS Sports Thanksgiving ClassicChicago isn’t just another early-season game — it’s a national spectacle, tipped off at 7:00 PM CT on November 27, 2025, with a live broadcast on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. The stakes? A rare chance to see two of the most intense programs in college hoops face off under the bright lights of a holiday night, just weeks before March Madness begins to creep into every conversation.
A Tradition Rekindled
Last year’s CBS Sports Thanksgiving ClassicChicago between Illinois and Arkansas drew 5.174 million viewers — the most-watched college basketball game of the 2023-24 season. That number didn’t just surprise networks; it rewrote the script for what Thanksgiving basketball could be. Fans didn’t just watch — they gathered. Families paused their turkey carving. Roommates abandoned their Black Friday shopping lists. And suddenly, college basketball felt like a national holiday tradition, not just a schedule footnote.
This year, the spotlight shifts to two programs with contrasting identities but shared hunger. Jon Scheyer, Duke’s head coach since 2022, inherited a dynasty and has spent two seasons quietly rebuilding it with precision. His team doesn’t just shoot threes — they attack the rim with ferocity. Cameron Boozer, Duke’s rising star, has nearly doubled his free throw rate from last season, turning opponents into spectators as he draws fouls with surgical efficiency. Meanwhile, John Calipari, who took over Arkansas in April 2024 after 15 years at Kentucky, has turned the Razorbacks into a defensive menace with a knack for late-game execution. He called last year’s game "a wake-up call for our program." This one? He says it’s "NCAA tournament-caliber."
The Stage: United Center, Chicago
Chicago didn’t just host the game — it became part of the story. The United Center, with its 20,917-seat roar, has hosted everything from Bulls championships to Blackhawks Stanley Cups. Now, it’s the backdrop for college basketball’s most anticipated non-conference game of the season. The venue’s ownership — a joint venture between the Bulls and Blackhawks — didn’t just rent out the space. They turned it into an experience. Fans who registered at DukeArkansasChicago.com before October 1, 2025, got early access to tickets, exclusive tailgate passes, and curated Thanksgiving weekend itineraries. Restaurants offered special menus. Hotels created "Basketball & Biscuits" packages. The city didn’t just welcome the game — it embraced it.
"I’m really excited to be back in Chicago," Scheyer said. "Playing on Thanksgiving night on primetime TV is another great chance to showcase Duke Basketball on a national stage." Calipari echoed that sentiment: "This will show us exactly where our team is at. These high-level games help prepare you for March."
A Season-Defining Early Test
Duke’s 2025-26 roster looks like a future NBA draft lottery. Boozer isn’t the only name to watch. Freshman point guard Jalen Johnson has already drawn comparisons to past Duke floor generals. And Arkansas? They’ve added three transfer portal stars, including a 6’10" center who averaged 12.3 points and 8.1 rebounds last season at LSU. The matchup isn’t just about talent — it’s about style. Duke’s half-court execution versus Arkansas’s full-court pressure. Scheyer’s disciplined sets against Calipari’s chaotic transition. This isn’t a tune-up. It’s a measuring stick.
And the timing? Perfect. The game comes after both teams have already faced top-10 opponents. Duke beat Kansas in a physical battle on November 28, 2025 — a win that proved their depth. Arkansas lost by four to Texas Tech in a game where they led by 15 with 10 minutes left. Both teams have something to prove. Both teams know the nation is watching.
Beyond the Game: CBS’s College Basketball Empire
This isn’t an isolated event. The 2025-26 CBS Sports college basketball schedule includes over 300 games — from the early-season showdowns to the Big Ten title game on March 15, 2026. The network has quietly built the most comprehensive college hoops slate in television history. Other marquee matchups include: Iowa State at Purdue on December 6, the CBS Sports Classic featuring Kentucky vs. St. John’s, and Houston vs. Arkansas on the same day.
ESPN’s Jimmy V Classic also lands on Thanksgiving, but CBS has claimed the night. And with more than 5 million viewers last year, they’re not just betting on tradition — they’re betting on momentum.
What’s Next?
After this game, both teams head into conference play. Duke enters the ACC with new expectations. Arkansas, in the SEC, looks to build on last year’s Sweet 16 run. But the real impact? The game could be a turning point for how college basketball markets itself. If this one draws even close to last year’s numbers, expect more holiday games. More national slots. More prime-time showdowns. This isn’t just basketball. It’s television. It’s culture. And it’s happening in Chicago.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this game affect Duke’s NCAA tournament seeding?
A win over Arkansas would be Duke’s second top-10 victory of the season, likely pushing them into the top 5 of the NET rankings. Last year’s tournament field included only three teams with two wins over top-10 opponents before December — all made the Final Four. This game could be the difference between a 1-seed and a 2-seed come Selection Sunday.
Why is Arkansas playing in Chicago again so soon?
Arkansas has played three games in Chicago since 2023, including last year’s Thanksgiving Classic. The school’s athletic department prioritizes national exposure, and Chicago’s central location, media market, and fan base make it ideal. Plus, the 5.174 million viewers last year generated an estimated $22 million in media value for the program.
Who are the key players to watch besides Boozer and Calipari?
For Duke, freshman guard Jalen Johnson is averaging 14.7 points and 6.2 assists — a potential All-American. For Arkansas, transfer center Jordan Walsh, formerly of LSU, has become their defensive anchor, blocking 3.1 shots per game. Look for Duke’s defensive specialist, sophomore Marcus Williams, to guard Arkansas’s leading scorer, sophomore guard D.J. Wagner.
What’s the historical significance of this matchup?
Duke and Arkansas have met just five times since 1980, with Duke winning four. Their last meeting was in the 2019 NCAA Tournament — a 78-73 Duke win in the Sweet 16. This will be the first time they’ve faced off on a neutral court outside the tournament, and the first time since 2019 with both teams ranked in the top 25.
How does this game compare to past Thanksgiving classics?
The 2024 Illinois-Arkansas game set the viewership record. Before that, the last Thanksgiving night game to draw over 4 million viewers was Kansas vs. Duke in 2018. This year’s matchup is bigger — two elite programs, both with national followings, playing in a landmark venue on a holiday with no competing sports. It’s the closest thing college basketball has to a Super Bowl.
Can I still get tickets?
Tickets went on sale to the public on October 2, 2025, and over 92% of the 20,917 seats have been sold as of October 15. Secondary market prices are averaging $185, up 40% from last year’s game. The United Center has released a limited number of standing-room-only passes for $75, but they’re expected to sell out within hours.