Keys to the 2026 Champions Classic: Who will win, what will matter most?

The 2026 Champions Classic doubleheader is set to take place in Chicago, featuring No. 2 Duke against No. 5 Michigan State at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN, followed by No. 15 Kansas vs. No. 24 Kentucky at 9:30 p.m. ET. In the opening game, Duke will look to record their 16th win against coach Tom Izzo, while Michigan State aims to snap a five-game losing streak. The article previews the key factors and matchups that will determine the outcomes of both games.