Full Breakdown
CBS Sports Unveils 2025-26 College Basketball Schedule
10/22/2025, 6:35:32 AM
Overview of the 2025-26 Season
CBS Sports has announced its extensive college basketball schedule for the 2025-26 season, featuring over 300 regular-season games. The lineup includes prominent teams such as preseason No. 1 Purdue, No. 2 Houston, No. 6 Duke, No. 7 Michigan, and No. 10 Texas Tech. The season kicks off on November 27 with the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic, where Duke will face Arkansas. The schedule culminates with the Big Ten Men's Tournament title game on March 15, marking CBS's 28th consecutive year broadcasting the event.
Key Matchups and Events
The schedule highlights several key matchups, including:
- November 27: Duke vs. Arkansas at 8 p.m. ET
- December 6: Iowa State at Purdue at 12 p.m. ET, Louisville vs. Indiana at 2:15 p.m. ET, and Baylor at Memphis at 4:30 p.m. ET
- December 20: CBS Sports Classic featuring St. John's vs. Kentucky at 12:30 p.m. ET, North Carolina vs. Ohio State at 3 p.m. ET, and Houston vs. Arkansas at 5:30 p.m. ET
Additionally, the schedule includes 15 automatic bids to the NCAA Men's and Women's Tournaments, with conference championship games in leagues such as the Missouri Valley, Mountain West, Atlantic 10, and Big Ten.
Patriot League Broadcasts
The Patriot League has confirmed its partnership with CBS Sports Network for the 2025-26 season, announcing a total of 20 games to be televised. Notable matchups include:
- November 7: Yale at Navy (Veterans Classic) at 8:30 p.m. ET
- January 19: Loyola Maryland at Lehigh at 7 p.m. ET
- March 8: Patriot League Men's Basketball Semifinals
The league's partnership with CBS Sports Network, now in its 23rd year, ensures wide availability through major cable and streaming platforms.
Criticism & Opposition
While the extensive scheduling is generally well-received, some critics argue that the focus on high-profile matchups may overshadow smaller programs and lead to an imbalance in exposure. Concerns have been raised about the financial implications for lower-tier teams participating in "buy games," where they receive compensation for playing against more prominent programs.
Official Statements & Responses
CBS Sports emphasized the importance of this schedule in providing fans with a diverse array of games and competitive matchups. The network aims to enhance the viewing experience and promote college basketball's growth. The Patriot League echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of televised games in showcasing their student-athletes.
What's Next
As the season approaches, fans can look forward to the opening games, including Duke's exhibition against UCF on October 21 and the official season opener against Texas on November 4. The anticipation for March Madness is already building, with the extensive schedule paving the way for thrilling college basketball action throughout the season.
