We’re taking on the Tar Heels in Atlanta for the 2025 CBS Sports Classic 🏀
🗓️ December 20
🆚 North Carolina
📍 State Farm Arena
📝
#GoBucks | #FightToTheEnd…… Read more 👇👇Buckeyes Set to Face North Carolina in 2025 CBS Sports Classic Showdown in Atlanta
May 1, 2025 | Columbus, OH — by [Your Name]
Mark your calendars, Buckeye Nation—Ohio State men’s basketball is headed to Atlanta this December for a marquee matchup against perennial powerhouse North Carolina in the 2025 CBS Sports Classic. The highly anticipated clash is scheduled for December 20 at State Farm Arena, the home of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks.
This annual showcase, which features four of college basketball’s most storied programs—Ohio State, North Carolina, Kentucky, and UCLA—has become a hallmark of the non-conference schedule. This year, the Buckeyes will square off against the Tar Heels in what promises to be a nationally televised battle between two programs with rich traditions and championship aspirations.
The game will be broadcast live on CBS, drawing millions of viewers and providing both programs with a valuable early-season litmus test ahead of conference play.
“This is the kind of game our players dream about,” said Ohio State head coach Jake Diebler. “North Carolina is a top-tier program with elite talent, and our guys are looking forward to the challenge. It’s also a great chance to showcase Buckeye basketball on a national stage.”
A Storied Rivalry Revisited
Ohio State and North Carolina have met multiple times on the national stage, including previous CBS Sports Classic contests, NCAA Tournament showdowns, and regular-season non-conference games. While the Tar Heels have historically held the edge in the series, recent meetings have been tightly contested, with both sides fielding NBA-caliber talent.
This year’s matchup is expected to feature several potential draft prospects and a contrast of styles: Ohio State’s hard-nosed, defensive approach under Diebler against North Carolina’s up-tempo offensive firepower led by second-year head coach Hubert Davis.
Neutral Site, High Stakes
Playing at State Farm Arena offers both teams a neutral court atmosphere with big-game energy. Located in the heart of Atlanta, the venue provides a central location for fan bases from across the Southeast and Midwest to converge, making for a high-profile showdown in front of a packed crowd.
“This game is about more than rankings,” said Ohio State forward Devin Royal. “It’s about pride, competition, and proving who we are. We can’t wait to get down to Atlanta and represent the scarlet and gray.”
Ticket and Travel Info
Tickets for the CBS Sports Classic will go on sale in the coming months, with priority access offered to season ticket holders and donors. Fans can find official information and updates at go.osu.edu/25cbssportsclassic.
For those making the trip, Ohio State’s Alumni Association is expected to organize fan events and watch parties around the game, creating a sea of scarlet in the heart of Georgia.
Looking Ahead
The Buckeyes will enter the 2025–26 season with a highly touted recruiting class and a promising mix of returning veterans and rising stars. The matchup against North Carolina will serve as both a national showcase and a key building block for a team looking to contend in the Big Ten and beyond.
One thing is certain—come December 20, all eyes will be on Atlanta as two college basketball bluebloods collide in one of the sport’s premier non-conference matchups.
