Champions Classic 2026: Michigan State vs. Duke, Kansas vs. Kentucky Preview
The Champions Classic is an annual college basketball event that brings together four top programs. In 2026, the matchups will be Michigan State against Duke and Kansas against Kentucky.
This yearly event is popular because it lets fans see several strong teams early in the season, before conference play begins. The games usually attract a lot of attention from basketball fans across the country.
One storyline ahead of the 2026 event is Jasiah Jervis, a player on the Michigan State lineup. The game against Duke is expected to be a test of how much he can contribute to the team.
A test, in sports terms, means a difficult challenge that reveals a player's or team's real ability. Facing a strong opponent like Duke should show whether Jervis can perform well against top competition.
Alongside the basketball preview, betting platform Polymarket has released a promo code connected to the event. Using the code CBSSPORTS, users can reportedly receive a $25 bonus for making picks on the Duke versus Michigan State game.
Picks refer to predictions about which team will win a specific matchup. These promotional offers are common around major sporting events, as companies try to attract new users interested in placing bets.
The Kansas versus Kentucky matchup is the second game of the Champions Classic. Both programs have long histories of success in college basketball, which usually makes their meeting one of the most watched games of the night.
Overall, the 2026 Champions Classic is expected to give fans an early look at some of the top teams and players in the sport, with Michigan State's Jervis being one player to watch.
Vocabulary10 words
- Champions Classic
- a yearly event with four top basketball teams
- lineup
- the group of players on a team
- test
- a hard challenge that shows how good someone is
- promo code
- special code that gives a special offer
- bonus
- extra money given as a reward
- picks
- choices about who will win
- matchup
- a game between two teams
- conference
- a group of college teams that play each other often
- contribute
- to help or add something useful
- opponent
- the team or player you play against
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Quiz
Answer key
1. Four top college basketball programs 2. How much Jasiah Jervis contributes to Michigan State 3. True
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
The Champions Classic is an annual college basketball _____ that brings together four top programs.
In 2026, the matchups will be Michigan State against Duke and Kansas against _____.
One storyline ahead of the 2026 event is Jasiah Jervis, a player on the Michigan State _____.
The game against Duke is expected to be a _____ of how much he can contribute.
A test, in sports terms, means a difficult challenge that reveals a player's real _____.
Betting platform Polymarket has released a promo _____ connected to the event.
Users can reportedly receive a $25 _____ for making picks on the Duke versus Michigan State game.
Picks refer to _____ about which team will win a specific matchup.
The Kansas versus Kentucky matchup is the second _____ of the Champions Classic.
Both programs have long histories of success in college _____.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think early-season events like the Champions Classic attract so much attention?
- What qualities do you think make a player ready for a 'test' against a strong opponent?
- Do you think betting promotions around sports events are a good idea? Why or why not?
- Which matchup, Michigan State vs. Duke or Kansas vs. Kentucky, do you think will be more exciting, and why?
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