The ACC/SEC Challenge is back this week, and after last year’s dominant showing from the SEC, there’s a little extra heat on every matchup. The SEC took 14 of the 16 games in 2024, flipping the script after a 7-7 split in the inaugural edition back in 2023. Now, with the all-time series knotted up, both conferences are heading into this year’s showdown with something to prove - pride, momentum, and yes, bragging rights.
Let’s break down what’s on tap across two jam-packed nights of basketball, featuring top-25 showdowns, hostile road environments, and a chance for teams to make early-season statements.
Tuesday, Dec. 2 - Opening Salvo
7:00 p.m. ET - Four Games Tip Off the Night
- No. 23 Tennessee at Syracuse (ESPN2): The Vols head into the Carrier Dome with a top-25 ranking and a defense that’s been their calling card.
But Syracuse’s zone can still frustrate teams that aren’t sharp from the perimeter. This is a classic contrast in styles - physical SEC play versus ACC finesse.
- Texas A&M at Pittsburgh (ESPNU): Buzz Williams’ squad brings toughness and tempo, and they’ll need both on the road. Pitt is still trying to find consistency, but they’ve got the athletes to keep up.
- Virginia Tech at South Carolina (SEC Network): Two programs looking to find their identity early in the season. South Carolina’s physicality will be tested by a Hokies team that likes to spread the floor and shoot.
- Oklahoma at Wake Forest (ACC Network): Oklahoma’s in a transitional phase, but they’ve shown flashes. Wake Forest is always dangerous at home, and this one could be a sneaky-good matchup.
7:30 p.m. ET - Marquee Matchup
- **No. 2 Florida at No.
12 Duke (ESPN):** This is the heavyweight bout of the night. Florida’s climbed the rankings behind elite guard play and a deep frontcourt, but Cameron Indoor is never an easy place to win.
Duke’s young stars will be tested by a battle-tested Gators squad. Expect intensity, pace, and a postseason-like atmosphere.
9:00 p.m. ET - Three More on Deck
- Missouri at Notre Dame (ESPNU): Mizzou’s athleticism could overwhelm a Notre Dame team still retooling. But if the Irish can control tempo and hit from deep, they’ll have a shot.
- Miami at Ole Miss (SEC Network): Two teams that can score in bunches. Expect a high-paced game with plenty of lead changes. Whichever team gets hot from three might run away with it.
- Georgia at Florida State (ACC Network): The Bulldogs are trying to turn the corner under new leadership, but Tallahassee is a tough place to do it. FSU’s length and pressure defense could be a problem.
9:30 p.m. ET - Blue Blood Battle
- **No. 25 North Carolina at No.
9 Kentucky (ESPN):** This one always delivers. Kentucky’s coming off a pair of tough outings against Michigan State and Louisville, and this is a chance to show they’ve learned from those battles.
Rupp Arena will be rocking, but UNC brings experience and a frontcourt that can bang with anyone. If Kentucky doesn’t clean up its turnovers and defensive lapses, it could be another long night in Lexington.
Wednesday, Dec. 3 - Round Two
7:00 p.m. ET - Top-25 Clashes and Intriguing Matchups
- **No. 7 Louisville at No.
11 Arkansas (ESPN):** Two top-15 teams with Final Four aspirations. Louisville’s backcourt is as good as anyone’s, but Arkansas brings relentless energy and depth.
Bud Walton Arena will be electric.
- Clemson at No. 17 Alabama (ESPNU): Alabama’s offense is explosive, but Clemson’s defense is no joke. This could come down to who controls the tempo - and who hits shots late.
- LSU at Boston College (ACC Network): LSU’s athleticism gives them the edge on paper, but BC plays with grit and has a knack for hanging around. Don’t be surprised if this one’s tight late.
9:00 p.m. ET - Closing Strong
- **No. 24 NC State at No.
14 Auburn (ESPN):** Auburn’s home court is one of the toughest in the country, and NC State will need a near-flawless performance to leave with a win. Expect fireworks - both teams can score.
- Virginia at Texas (ESPNU): A fascinating stylistic clash. Virginia wants to grind it out, Texas wants to run. Whoever dictates pace likely wins.
- SMU at Vanderbilt (SEC Network): SMU’s trying to make noise in a tough road spot. Vanderbilt’s been inconsistent, but they’ve got shooters who can swing the game.
- Mississippi State at Georgia Tech (ACC Network): Mississippi State’s defense travels well, and they’ll need it against a Georgia Tech team that’s quietly playing better than expected.
How to Watch
Every game will be available for streaming through the ESPN app, or via platforms like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV.
Kentucky Fans: If you're following the Wildcats, you’ve got radio options too.
You can stream the game live at UKAthletics.com or on iHeartRadio via WLAP 630. Local stations carrying the game include:
- Lexington: 98.1 FM / 630 WLAP
- Louisville: 840 AM WHAS
- London: 103.9 FM WWEL
- Hazard/Pikeville: 101.1 WSGS
- Madisonville: 93.9 FM WKTG
The ACC/SEC Challenge isn’t just a non-conference tune-up anymore. With national rankings, postseason resumes, and conference pride all in play, these games matter - and players know it. Over two nights, we’ll see who’s ready to rise, who’s still figuring it out, and which conference walks away with the edge heading into the heart of the season.