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Florida, Big 12 Powerhouse Set For Blockbuster November Clash in Las Vegas

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joshua Rosenblum | Last updated May 2, 2025 5:50 PM ET

An electrifying college basketball showdown is on the horizon as the defending national champion Florida Gators and Big 12 powerhouse Arizona Wildcats are finalizing an agreement to face off on November 3rd, 2025—the opening night of the 2025-26 season.

In a recent post shared by college basketball insider Jon Rothstein on X, this marquee matchup will take place at the iconic T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, setting the stage for a thrilling start to the season.

This clash is part of an elite doubleheader, with the BYU Cougars taking on the Villanova Wildcats in the other game of the night.

Arizona, coming off a strong Big 12 tournament run where they defeated Kansas and Texas Tech before falling to Houston in the championship game, is ranked in the Top 20 of the ROTHSTEIN 45 alongside Florida and BYU.

The Wildcats, under coach Tommy Lloyd, are known for their fearless scheduling, as evidenced by their challenging 2025-26 nonconference slate that includes Auburn, Alabama, UConn , and UCLA.

Facing the Gators, a team oozing in confidence after a glorious national title run, only adds to the intensity. They bring championship pedigree under head coach Todd Golden, aiming to kick off their title defense with a statement win.

T-Mobile Arena, no stranger to high-stakes college hoops, previously hosted Arizona in the 2023 Desert Classic against Florida Atlantic.

With tip-off times still to be determined, anticipation is already building for what promises to be a blockbuster night in Sin City.

An official announcement is expected soon, but one thing is clear: November 3rd will be a must-watch for basketball fans everywhere.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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