One team has been dropped from the event, with a high-profile program stepping in as their replacement.
Since its inception in 2014, the CBS Sports Classic has consistently featured the same four powerhouse programs: Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio State, and UCLA. Each year, these teams have squared off in matchups that have produced plenty of memorable moments.
However, ahead of the 2025–2026 season, a significant change is shaking up the event. For the first time, one of the original members is stepping aside.
UCLA will no longer participate in the CBS Sports Classic, as their replacement was officially announced Thursday morning:
Since its inception in 2014, the CBS Sports Classic has consistently featured the same four powerhouse programs: Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio State, and UCLA. Each year, these storied teams have clashed in high-stakes matchups, many of which have delivered unforgettable moments.
However, heading into the 2025–2026 season, a significant shift is taking place. For the first time in the event’s history, the original lineup is changing.
UCLA is stepping away from the CBS Sports Classic, and on Thursday morning, their replacement was officially announced: Rick Pitino and the St. John’s Red Storm will join this year’s field. The Johnnies are set to make their debut in Atlanta, Georgia, where they’ll face off against Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats.
While a matchup between St. John’s and North Carolina would’ve made major headlines—especially following Ian Jackson’s high-profile transfer from Chapel Hill to Queens this offseason—fans will have to wait. Based on the current rotation, the Tar Heels are projected to face Kentucky next year and won’t meet St. John’s in the event until the 2027–2028 season.
If that timeline holds—and no other meetings are scheduled in the interim—it would mark the first time since 2002 that North Carolina and St. John’s have shared the court.
As for this year’s matchups, North Carolina is set to take on Ohio State. Their last CBS Sports Classic meeting was an instant classic: a Pete Nance buzzer-beater sent the game into overtime at Madison Square Garden, where the Tar Heels ultimately prevailed, 89–84, over the then-No. 23 Buckeyes.
St. John’s addition to the CBS Sports Classic brings a fresh layer of intrigue to the event, especially with the program’s resurgence under Rick Pitino’s leadership. The Johnnies’ return to national relevance adds even more excitement to an already-stacked field. With elite programs squaring off, fans can look forward to another slate of high-quality non-conference matchups in one of college basketball’s premier one-day showcases.
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