Last year’s ACC/SEC Challenge lacked competitiveness, with Clemson and Duke being the only teams to prevent a complete shutout for the ACC in the SEC’s dominant 14-2 victory.
Out of the 16 games, only a handful were close; eleven matchups were settled by over 10 points. The SEC began strong at 9-0 until Clemson finally secured a 70-66 victory over Kentucky, and Duke followed up with an 84-78 win against Auburn, accounting for two of the ACC’s four wins during the 2024-25 season.
Some ACC supporters would be upset if we ignored the SEC’s overwhelming success last season, aside from the undefeated Oregon Ducks. It’s worth noting that the ACC’s performance resembled that of the Mountain West rather than its Power 5 peers, with a median rating closer to the SoCon than the SEC.
Looking ahead, there’s optimism for this season, especially for those hoping for increased parity. The SEC, as pointed out by CBB writer Will Warren, might regress slightly after their record-setting run in 2024-25. The ACC, conversely, appears poised for improvement, with teams like Louisville, Virginia, Syracuse, and Notre Dame aiming for better performances than last year.
Cal and Stanford were not included in this year’s schedule, which is understandable considering the ACC has 18 teams compared to the SEC’s 16. This decision, while significant, acknowledges their geographical distance from the majority of other teams.
As for matchups to watch this season, they are ranked based on competitiveness, storylines, and implications for tournament resumes. Here’s the breakdown of the ACC/SEC Challenge games.
1. Florida at Duke
The marquee matchup features Duke, last season’s top team by KenPom, facing the reigning national champions, Florida. Both squads have significant roster changes, but the game is expected to showcase the two best frontcourts in the nation.
2. Louisville at Arkansas
This matchup boasts great potential for excitement, with Louisville’s promising players and Arkansas’s formidable talent creating a thrilling environment for fans.
3. NC State at Auburn
Both teams are undergoing significant roster changes, making this matchup particularly thrilling with new recruits and a lively atmosphere expected at The Jungle.
4. UNC at Kentucky
Both powerhouse programs are facing key questions about their guards, making this rivalry an intriguing battle as they aim to prove themselves early in the season.
5. Virginia at Texas
Virginia, under new leadership, is looking to shine with a talented roster squaring off against Texas’s athletic squad, setting up a clash of offensive prowess against defensive strength.
