KANSAS CITY – Thanksgiving Day will serve up more than just food and football as the Simple Truth Thanksgiving Classic, Presented by 4PT, features a marquee matchup between the No. 19 Arkansas Razorbacks (5-1) and Illinois Fighting Illini (5-1). Held at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, this highly anticipated showdown tips off at 3 p.m. CT and will be broadcast live on CBS—marking the network’s first-ever Thanksgiving Day college basketball game.

A Storied History

The two programs have faced off six times, with Illinois holding a 5-1 series advantage. However, Arkansas claimed the most recent meeting, a 73-63 victory in the first round of the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Thursday’s game provides an opportunity for Illinois to reassert its dominance or for Arkansas to continue shifting the rivalry.

Key Storylines

This clash features some fascinating connections between the two teams. The Ivisic twins, Zvonimir (Arkansas) and Tomislav (Illinois), will meet for the first time on opposite sides of the court. Zvonimir, a 7-foot-2 sophomore, played under head coach John Calipari at Kentucky last year before transferring to Arkansas to follow his coach. His twin brother, Tomislav, a 7-foot-1 freshman, is beginning his collegiate career at Illinois. The matchup highlights their unique paths to college basketball after growing up in Montenegro.

Arkansas also boasts standout freshman Boogie Fland, whose scoring ability and playmaking have quickly made him a critical piece for the Razorbacks. His dynamic offensive game complements Arkansas’ seasoned roster and gives the Razorbacks another dimension on the court.

The coaching staffs also share intertwined histories. Arkansas head coach John Calipari reunited with assistant Chin Coleman, who previously worked under Illinois head coach Brad Underwood. Meanwhile, Illinois associate head coach Orlando Antigua, formerly on Calipari’s staff at Kentucky, was instrumental in recruiting both Ivisic brothers to their respective programs.

Contrasting Rosters

Illinois comes into the season with a dramatically revamped roster after its 2024 Elite Eight appearance and Big Ten Tournament Championship. With only one returning rotation player, the Illini are relying on newcomers who have contributed over 90% of their scoring this season. Illinois leads the Big Ten in several statistical categories, including rebounding (50.2 per game) and three-pointers made (11.3 per game), while maintaining a dominant scoring margin of +30.2.

Arkansas, under Calipari, features a blend of experienced transfers, sophomores like Zvonimir Ivisic, and rising stars like Boogie Fland. The Razorbacks are ranked 19th nationally and aim to prove they are a force in non-conference play. This game also sets the stage for future battles against high-profile opponents as Arkansas looks to maintain momentum.

How to Watch

Fans can catch this Thanksgiving treat on CBS, with Ian Eagle, Bill Raftery, and Jon Rothstein calling the action. The game will also stream on the CBS Sports app, with radio coverage on the Razorback Sports Network and Sirius/XM channels.

As both teams enter with identical 5-1 records, Thursday’s game promises to deliver intensity, intrigue, and plenty of highlights, making it the perfect addition to your holiday celebration.

For more information on the game, follow @4PlayingTime on X.