ACC/SEC Challenge Expected to Feature Multiple AP Top 25 Matchups Including UNC-Kentucky, Louisville-Arkansas

The 2025-26 ACC/SEC Challenge schedule features a highly anticipated matchup between North Carolina and Kentucky, marking the first time UNC will play at Kentucky's Rupp Arena since 2014. This game will be UNC's first road game in the Challenge and the two blue-blood programs have a long-standing rivalry, with UNC leading the overall series but Kentucky having won four of the last six matchups, all at neutral sites. Kentucky, under second-year head coach Mark Pope, and UNC, led by Hubert Davis in his fifth season, are both expected to be ranked among the top 25 teams. The Tar Heels are building a strong roster with several newcomers and transfers, while Kentucky has added high-profile transfers to complement senior guard Otega Oweh. Additionally, the Challenge will include other significant games such as Duke hosting the defending national champions Florida Gators and NC State traveling to Auburn, intensifying the non-conference schedule for ACC teams. Fans and analysts are excited about the competitive slate, which includes multiple top 25 teams and promises to shake up the college basketball landscape.