The CBS Sports Classic is back for its 12th go-round, and there’s a new kid on the block. St. John’s, led by the ever-quotable Rick Pitino, joins blue-blood stalwarts Kentucky, North Carolina, and Ohio State for the 2025 doubleheader, set for Dec. 20 at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena. The matchups? Ohio State squares off with North Carolina in the opener, followed by a juicy St. John’s-Kentucky clash, with Mark Pope—Pitino’s former captain—facing his old mentor. Both games will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+, with tip times still to come. Pitino, never one to shy away from nostalgia, called it “quite special” to battle Pope, the architect of so many Kentucky memories, in what he dubbed “Camelot.” Buckle up, folks—this one’s got drama written all over it.
Kentucky holds an 11-5 edge in 16 meetings with St. John’s, last thumping the Red Storm 81-59 in 2012. Meanwhile, North Carolina has owned Ohio State, leading 13-3 all-time and winning all three Classic matchups, including an 89-84 overtime thriller in 2022. Fans can snag travel packages with game tickets and hotel stays starting in August, with public ticket sales to follow. Want a leg up? Register at cbssportsclassic.com/tickets for presale access and event alerts. State Farm Arena, hosting for the second time in three years, adds another chapter to a Classic that’s seen venues like Madison Square Garden and the United Center. With North Carolina (7-4), Ohio State (6-4), and Kentucky (5-6) in the Classic’s all-time standings, expect Atlanta to deliver another dose of hardwood fireworks.
