St. John's Replaces UCLA in 2025 CBS Sports Classic

UCLA has withdrawn from the 2025 CBS Sports Classic to reduce travel amid their new Big Ten schedule, allowing St. John's to join Kentucky, Ohio State, and North Carolina in the annual event. The Classic will take place at Atlanta's State Farm Arena on December 20, 2025. St. John's, under coach Rick Pitino, will face Kentucky, now led by his former player and 1996 national champion Mark Pope, in a highly anticipated matchup. The game marks the 30th anniversary of Pitino's NCAA title run with Kentucky and features two programs ranked in the preseason top 12, with St. John's coming off a 31-5 season. Both coaches have expressed excitement about the reunion and the contest's historical significance. UCLA, meanwhile, will explore new home-and-home series as they adapt to their conference move.