CBS Sports Classic Welcomes Kansas
The prestigious CBS Sports Classic is set to welcome a new powerhouse to its lineup. CBS Sports made the announcement on January 28, revealing that the University of Kansas, currently ranked No. 14, will be joining the annual men’s college basketball event. This classic features a remarkable lineup of teams, including Ohio State, North Carolina, and Kentucky.
Matchup Details
The Jayhawks are scheduled to compete against Ohio State on December 19 at Madison Square Garden as part of the 2026-27 season, while the other game will see North Carolina take on Kentucky.
The inclusion of Kansas replaces St. John’s, which was previously part of the event but had its place removed following their recent changes, including the hiring of Rick Pitino. CBS Sports noted that Kansas confirmed this development shortly after their announcement. In an enthusiastic message, Kansas Men’s Basketball expressed their excitement about being part of the Classic through at least 2029.
Historical Significance
The CBS Sports Classic, established in 2014, stands as a key fixture in the college basketball calendar, recognized for its standout non-conference matchups. With Kansas joining, the event will now feature two teams that also participate in the annual Champions Classic, alongside Kentucky.
Historically, Kansas is renowned for its strong basketball tradition, being second in all-time Division I wins and holding seven national championship titles since the inception of the NCAA Tournament in 1939. Currently, the Jayhawks have a record of 15 wins and 5 losses, including a 5-2 mark in Big 12 conference play, despite setbacks due to injuries to standout freshman guard Darryn Peterson. Reports suggest that Peterson will be returning for the team’s upcoming match against BYU on January 31.
Future Matchups
Looking ahead, the CBS Sports Classic has planned matchups through the 2029 season, ensuring exciting contests for basketball fans:
- 2026: Kansas vs. Ohio State and North Carolina vs. Kentucky (Dec. 19)
- 2027: Kentucky vs. Ohio State and Kansas vs. North Carolina (Dec. 18)
- 2028: Kansas vs. Kentucky and North Carolina vs. Ohio State (Dec. 16)
- 2029: Ohio State vs. Kansas and Kentucky vs. North Carolina (Dec. 15)
This year’s CBS Sports Classic is set to offer thrilling games as it continues to solidify its place as an essential event in the college basketball world.
