A marquee Thanksgiving matchup awaits as No. 21 Arkansas and top-ranked Duke meet in Chicago for an early-season showdown loaded with talent, storylines, and star freshmen ready to take center stage. Though the series history is brief, it’s been competitive: Arkansas holds a 3–2 edge in the all-time meetings, including a tight 80–75 win in 2023.
This year’s installment is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing yet.
Duke’s Freshman Star Leads a Loaded Roster
Duke arrives at 6–0 and looks every bit the part of a national title contender. The centerpiece of Jon Scheyer’s squad is freshman sensation Cameron Boozer, who leads the Blue Devils in scoring, rebounding, and assists. His versatility and physicality make him the engine of Duke’s attack and the primary matchup Arkansas must solve.
But Duke is anything but a one-man show. Freshman wing Isaiah Evans is averaging around 13 points per game as the team’s No. 2 scorer, showing the ability to heat up quickly from the perimeter. Behind him, forward Patrick Ngongba II has emerged as a steady interior presence, contributing 12 points and 7 rebounds per outing.
Beyond the top trio, Duke’s depth is one of its greatest strengths. Cayden Boozer, Nikolas Khamenia, Dame Sarr, and Caleb Foster round out a rotation stacked with guards and athletic wings capable of scoring, defending, and pushing tempo. The statistical profile backs up the depth: Duke averages 93.7 points per game (22nd nationally) while allowing just 57.2 on the defensive end, an elite margin no matter the opponents.
Arkansas Brings Firepower, but Defense Remains the Question
Arkansas enters the matchup 5–1 with its lone loss coming to ranked Michigan State. Offensively, the Razorbacks have been electric, averaging 91 points per game behind a balanced rotation and one of the best freshman duos in the nation.
Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas headline Arkansas’ youth movement, both ranking among the top freshmen scorers nationally and forming one of the most exciting backcourt combinations in the country. The Thanksgiving stage will offer a massive test, both for their poise and their ability to keep pace with Duke’s freshman talent.
The Razorbacks also feature a veteran supporting cast, giving John Calipari multiple scoring options throughout the rotation. But the X-factor may be the defense. Arkansas has allowed 70.2 points per game so far, solid in stretches, but inconsistent. Calipari has emphasized tightening things up on that end, and Duke’s versatility will pressure the Razorbacks like no opponent yet this season.
Freshman Fireworks on the National Stage
While both teams have plenty of experience, the spotlight will inevitably fall on the freshmen. Duke brings Cameron and Cayden Boozer, Sarr, Evans, and Khamenia. Arkansas counters with Acuff, Thomas, and fellow rookie contributors looking to make their mark.
Watching how these young stars handle the bright lights early in the season is one of the most compelling angles of the matchup. It’s a clash of recruiting giants, future NBA talent, and two programs expecting to be in the national conversation all year long.
Final Outlook
Arkansas–Duke might not be a long-standing rivalry, but when these programs meet, it usually delivers and this year promises more of the same. Duke’s size, depth, and defensive strength will challenge an explosive Arkansas offense that can score with anyone but must find a way to slow the Blue Devils down.
It’s a Thanksgiving matchup packed with storylines: top-ranked Duke trying to stay perfect, Arkansas looking for another signature win, and a showcase of some of the brightest young talent in college basketball.
If early-season fireworks are what you want, Thursday night should deliver.