New York City, October 29, 2025
ESPN’s College GameDay is set to air live from Madison Square Garden ahead of the State Farm Champions Classic, featuring a men’s college basketball doubleheader with Michigan State, Kentucky, Kansas, and Duke. The broadcast starts at 6 p.m. ET on November 18, showcasing key matchups and a College Football Playoff Rankings Show, emphasizing ESPN’s commitment to comprehensive sports coverage. This marks College GameDay’s return to the event after a six-year hiatus.
New York City, NY – ESPN’s College GameDay Covered by State Farm is scheduled to broadcast live from Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, preceding the State Farm Champions Classic. This event will highlight a key men’s college basketball doubleheader featuring four prominent programs: No. 22 Michigan State, No. 9 Kentucky, No. 19 Kansas, and No. 6 Duke.
The broadcast is set to start at 6 p.m. ET, and will be hosted by Rece Davis, alongside analysts Jay Bilas, Seth Greenberg, Jay Williams, and Andraya Carter. The evening’s lineup includes:
- 6:30 p.m. ET: No. 22 Michigan State vs. No. 9 Kentucky
- 8 p.m. ET: College Football Playoff Top 25 Rankings Show
- 9 p.m. ET: No. 19 Kansas vs. No. 6 Duke
Additionally, the College Football Playoff Top 25 Rankings Show will also air live at approximately 8 p.m. ET, marking the first time since 2021 that this ranking show has originated from the Champions Classic. This will be the first time College GameDay returns to the event since 2019, emphasizing the interplay between football and basketball coverage.
The State Farm Champions Classic is known for featuring elite matchups, with its history including events at Madison Square Garden in 2011, 2016, 2019, and 2021. The 2025 event continues to uphold this legacy, bringing together some of the most storied programs in men’s college basketball.
Fans can anticipate detailed pregame analysis and discussions as they prepare for one of the season’s most significant matchups. The event is a representation of ESPN’s dedication to providing comprehensive coverage of both college football and basketball, offering viewers a unique experience that connects the two sports.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the State Farm Champions Classic?
The State Farm Champions Classic is an annual men’s college basketball doubleheader featuring four premier programs: Michigan State, Kentucky, Kansas, and Duke. The event showcases high-profile matchups to kick off the college basketball season.
When and where will the 2025 Champions Classic take place?
The 2025 State Farm Champions Classic is scheduled for Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
What teams are participating in the 2025 Champions Classic?
The participating teams are No. 22 Michigan State, No. 9 Kentucky, No. 19 Kansas, and No. 6 Duke.
What is the schedule for the evening?
The schedule is as follows:
- 6:30 p.m. ET: No. 22 Michigan State vs. No. 9 Kentucky
- 8 p.m. ET: College Football Playoff Top 25 Rankings Show
- 9 p.m. ET: No. 19 Kansas vs. No. 6 Duke
Will College GameDay be broadcasting live from the event?
Yes, ESPN’s College GameDay Covered by State Farm will broadcast live from Madison Square Garden, providing pregame coverage and analysis ahead of the matchups.
Is this the first time College GameDay is broadcasting from the Champions Classic?
No, College GameDay has previously broadcast from the Champions Classic, with the last occurrence being in 2019. The 2025 event marks the return of College GameDay to the Champions Classic after a six-year hiatus.
Key Features of the 2025 State Farm Champions Classic
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | Tuesday, November 18, 2025 |
| Location | Madison Square Garden, New York City |
| Participating Teams | No. 22 Michigan State, No. 9 Kentucky, No. 19 Kansas, No. 6 Duke |
| Broadcast Schedule | 6:30 p.m. ET: Michigan State vs. Kentucky; 8 p.m. ET: College Football Playoff Top 25 Rankings Show; 9 p.m. ET: Kansas vs. Duke |
| College GameDay Broadcast | Live from Madison Square Garden, hosted by Rece Davis with analysts Jay Bilas, Seth Greenberg, Jay Williams, and Andraya Carter |
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