The college basketball world turns its eyes to Chicago this Thanksgiving as the Duke Blue Devils (7-0) clash with the Arcansas Razorbacks (5-1) in the 2025 CBS Sports Thanksgiving ClassicUnited Center. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. Eastern Time — prime time, turkey leftovers still on the table, and a national audience waiting. This isn’t just another early-season game. It’s a measuring stick. A rematch with history. And for two programs chasing March glory, it’s a dress rehearsal with millions watching.
Why This Game Matters More Than the Score
Let’s be clear: the 2024 CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic between Illinois and Arkansas drew 5.174 million viewers — the most-watched college basketball game of the entire 2023-24 season. That’s not a fluke. It’s a trend. Networks and fans alike are hungry for high-stakes, early-season matchups that feel like tournament games. And this year, Duke and Arkansas deliver exactly that.
For Jon Scheyer, in his second season leading Duke after taking over from Mike Krzyzewski, this is about proving his program hasn’t missed a beat. The Blue Devils are undefeated, averaging 93 points per game, and powered by forward Cameron Boozer, who’s putting up 21.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, and nearly two blocks per game. He’s the engine. But Scheyer knows the real test is toughness — something Arkansas brings in spades.
Enter John Calipari. The former Kentucky coach, now at University of Arkansas, doesn’t just coach basketball — he engineers chaos with purpose. His Razorbacks are riding a four-game win streak, led by guard Meleek Thomas, averaging 18.3 points and a blistering 2.7 three-pointers per game. Calipari’s teams thrive under pressure. And he knows this game — televised nationally on CBS Television Network — is the perfect pressure cooker.
The Stage: United Center, Chicago
The United Center — home to the Bulls and Blackhawks — will be packed to its 20,917-seat capacity. It’s a cathedral of college basketball when it hosts these events. The arena’s history with the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic goes back to its launch, and this is only the second time Arkansas has played in it — and the first time Duke has ever stepped onto its hardwood for this particular game.
There’s a poetic tension here. Duke’s legacy is built on tradition, blue bloods, and five national titles. Arkansas, with its lone 1994 championship and eight Final Fours, is the grittier underdog with a knack for pulling off the improbable. Remember 2022? That Elite Eight showdown in San Francisco? Arkansas beat Duke 78-69 — a game that still stings for Blue Devils fans. This isn’t just a rematch. It’s a reckoning.
Who’s Watching — And Why
It’s not just fans tuning in. Scouts from every NBA team will be watching Boozer’s footwork, Thomas’ shooting mechanics, and how Calipari’s guards handle Duke’s switching defense. This is draft fodder wrapped in a holiday spectacle.
And then there’s the broadcast. CBS Sports, a division of Paramount Global, has held exclusive rights to the NCAA Tournament through 2032. This game is a showcase — a way to remind viewers why college basketball is the most unpredictable, emotional sport on TV. Streaming options? Paramount+ and FuboTV will carry it live, but Fubo requires a subscription. No free options this year — CBS is locking down its digital revenue.
Tickets went on sale October 2, 2025, after a presale for registered fans on October 1. The website DukeArkansasChicago.com became a digital hub for merch, parking info, and even Thanksgiving meal packages near the arena. People aren’t just buying tickets — they’re buying an experience.
What’s Next for Both Teams
Duke’s next game? A home tilt against Florida on December 2. Arkansas? An unannounced opponent on November 28. But the real clock starts ticking after this. Both teams are projected as NCAA Tournament locks — but who emerges as a true contender? The margin between good and great is razor-thin. This game will expose weaknesses. It will validate strengths. And it will likely be replayed in March when the brackets are set.
Calipari said it best: “These high-level games help prepare you for March.” Scheyer echoed it: “Showcase Duke Basketball on a national stage against a great opponent.”
They’re not wrong. This isn’t just Thanksgiving dinner. It’s the first course of March Madness.
Historical Context: A Rivalry Rekindled
Duke and Arkansas haven’t met often — but when they do, it’s dramatic. The 2022 Elite Eight game remains one of the most talked-about upsets of the last decade. Arkansas, a 9-seed, toppled the 1-seed Blue Devils in San Francisco. That loss ended Duke’s championship hopes and became a turning point for Scheyer’s transition into the head coaching role.
Now, four years later, both programs are back in elite form. Duke’s depth is unmatched. Arkansas’ tempo is lethal. The 2025 matchup isn’t just about revenge — it’s about legacy. Can Duke reclaim its dominance? Can Arkansas prove its 2022 run wasn’t a fluke?
The answer might come on a cold Chicago night — with a national audience watching, and the NCAA Tournament hanging in the balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I watch the Duke vs. Arkansas game live?
The game will air nationally on the CBS Television Network at 8 p.m. ET on Thanksgiving night. For streaming, viewers can use Paramount+ (included with most cable subscriptions) or FuboTV, which requires a paid subscription. No free livestreams are officially available. The game will also be accessible via the CBS Sports app with authenticated provider login.
Who are the key players to watch in this matchup?
For Duke, forward Cameron Boozer is the focal point — averaging 21.1 points and 9.9 rebounds per game with elite defensive stats. For Arkansas, guard Meleek Thomas is the spark, hitting 2.7 three-pointers per game and running the offense with poise. Look for Arkansas’ defense to target Boozer’s drives, while Duke’s perimeter shooters will try to exploit Arkansas’ aggressive switching scheme.
Why is this game being played in Chicago?
Chicago is a major media market with strong fan bases for both schools and a neutral, high-capacity venue in the United Center. The CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic has used the city since its inception to maximize viewership and create a festive, national-event atmosphere. It’s also a strategic move to reach fans in the Midwest who might not otherwise follow these programs closely.
What’s the historical significance of this matchup?
The teams last met in the 2022 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight, where Arkansas stunned top-seeded Duke 78-69 — a game that ended Duke’s title hopes and became a defining moment for John Calipari’s Arkansas program. This rematch is the first since that upset, and both teams are stronger than ever. The winner may gain significant seeding momentum come March.
How does this game impact NCAA Tournament seeding?
A win here, especially on the road against a top-5 team, could vault Arkansas into the top-10 of the NET rankings and solidify Duke as a No. 1 seed contender. Losses to mid-major teams hurt; wins over elite opponents in prime-time games are gold in the selection committee’s eyes. This game could be the difference between a 2-seed and a 1-seed for either team.
Is this the last time Duke and Arkansas will play?
Not likely. Both programs are in power conferences (ACC and SEC) and have a history of scheduling high-profile non-conference games. With Calipari’s ties to the national stage and Scheyer’s focus on marquee matchups, a future home-and-home series or even a neutral-site game in 2026 or 2027 is very plausible — especially if this game draws another 5 million viewers.