Five programs Virginia men’s basketball should include on future schedules

Since he took over at Virginia, Coach Ryan Odom has shown no fear when it comes to the schedule. He tested his team with exhibitions against Vanderbilt and Villanova – two NCAA Tournament teams.

The Cavaliers could be on the verge of playing a recent national champion this season. Virginia should also consider these five programs for future schedules:

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5: Villanova

There might not be two better 2010s programs than Virginia and Villanova. Tony Bennett and Jay Wright were marquee stars in the college basketball world – and their programs produced several NBA players. The Cavaliers and Wildcats have played nine times before, most recently in the Hall of Fame Series in Baltimore back in 2024-25.

Virginia and Villanova have not played on campus sites since 2017 (Villanova) and 2015 (Charlottesville). The Wildcats were revitalized by Coach Kevin Willard this season, breaking a three-year NCAA Tournament drought. Why not kickstart a new rivalry?

4: UConn

The Cavaliers and Huskies are reportedly slated to play each other in December at Madison Square Garden. It will be one of the most anticipated matchups of the 2025-26 season – a game that could very well be between a pair of top-10 teams.

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Virginia and UConn had a brief rivalry in the late 80s and 90s – they played each other six times from 1987 to 1997. They have never played in Charlottesville, though. A home-and-home series would provide both programs with the opportunity to play for a signature win. Even another standalone game at a different NBA venue could be incredibly valuable.

3: Wisconsin

The two programs have a lot in common. They both employed Tony Bennett for at least four years – and have shared the Bennett family coaching philosophy, as well as an interest in Wisconsin-born recruits. Andrew Rohde is one of them, and he spent time at both schools.

The Cavaliers and Badgers have consistently been strong programs. There is some history on the court too, as they have played each other six times before….

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Publish date : 2026-06-27 23:00:00

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