Duke vs. Kansas Jayhawks becomes college basketball's most-watched game of season

The Kansas basketball matchup with the Duke Blue Devils lived up to its billing as the most highly anticipated matchup of KU’s nonconference schedule. Despite securing impressive wins over North Carolina at home and Michigan State in the Champions Classic, the Jayhawks still had much to prove on the national stage against a fellow blue-blood opponent.

That challenge brought Kansas fans and college basketball enthusiasts flocking to their screens, with approximately 2.5 million viewers tuning in. This number made it the most-watched game of the 2024-25 season so far:

Duke vs. Kansas basketball was most watched game of CBB season

ESPN hosted the Vegas Showdown between two of the greatest programs in college basketball history. Considering Kansas is the nation's top team and the Blue Devils have tremendous talent across the roster, it should come as no surprise that so many fans viewed it from their TVs.

Kansas started strong, jumping out to a 13-point lead in the first half with lockdown defense on freshman phenom Cooper Flagg. However, Duke responded with a rally, setting the stage for a tense second half.

The contest's momentum shifted dramatically when KU’s star center and preseason All-American Hunter Dickinson was ejected midway through the second half for kicking Maliq Brown in the head after he took him to the ground. The flagrant 2 drew criticism across social media given Dickinson's reputation.

Despite Dickinson’s absence, the Jayhawks found a way to prevail. Rylan Griffen — who had a rough first 20 minutes — stepped up in crunch time, scoring key buckets down the stretch. KJ Adams also delivered critical stops on defense with a few big-time rejections. The team's combined effort propelled KU to a hard-fought victory.

Now sitting at 6-0, KU looks to keep its momentum rolling as they face Furman on Saturday. Incoming road matchups at Creighton and rival Missouri will be difficult tests, but the win over Duke in the season's most-watched game is a major statement as the Jayhawks inch closer to Big 12 play.