OSU, Northwestern to open new hoops series Thanksgiving Day in Chicago

Oklahoma State and Northwestern have agreed to a two-year men's basketball series, beginning Thanksgiving Day 2025 in Chicago and continuing with a 2026-27 matchup at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City (date TBD).

This season's game (Thursday, Nov. 27) is part of a doubleheader that will also include Duke and Arkansas. Game time and TV designation will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets go on sale Thursday, Oct. 2, with a 24-hour pre-sale set for Wednesday, Oct. 1. Fans can sign up for event news, pre-sale access and other exclusive offers at cbsthanksgivingclassic.com/tickets.

In addition, VIP travel packages, which include game tickets and hotel accommodations at either the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile or the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel are available at cbsthanksgivingclassic.com/travel.

Oklahoma State is looking to build on a strong debut season under head coach Steve Lutz, which ended with a run to the NIT quarterfinals. Senior forward Robert Jennings II, who started all 35 games last year, is joined by the Big 12's top transfer portal class, per On3 and Hoops HQ.

The Cowboys have never faced Northwestern and have never played at the United Center -- home to the NBA's Chicago Bulls and NHL's Blackhawks. The school's last appearance in the Windy City came in December 1990, during the first year of the Eddie Sutton era.

"We're looking forward to being part of a great college basketball atmosphere on Thanksgiving Day," Lutz said. "Competing at the United Center against a strong opponent like Northwestern will be a valuable experience for our group as we gear up for Big 12 play. It will be a fun day of basketball!"

Northwestern enters its 13th season under head coach Chris Collins, a Chicago-area native who has established a winning pedigree with the Wildcats. The program earned consecutive NCAA Tournament berths in 2023 and 2024, advancing to the second round each time. This will be just the third regular season game that Northwestern has played at the United Center, though the venue has been a regular stage for the Wildcats during the Big Ten tournament.

Senior Nick Martinelli, a second-team All-Big Ten selection last year, returns to lead the Wildcats after averaging 20.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.

"We're really excited about the opportunity to stay in Chicago for Thanksgiving against a great opponent like Oklahoma State," Collins said. "Playing in the United Center is always really special for our program and should make for a high-level game in a postseason-like environment."

Oklahoma State University Athletics

OSU, Northwestern to open new hoops series Thanksgiving Day in Chicago

Players Mentioned

Robert Jennings II

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