By Derran Cobb
November 21, 2025 | 2:00 pm
Feast Week is college basketball’s second most chaotic tradition. A full week of ranked matchups, early season battles, and the first real look at who’s legit — and who needs work.
The first weekend of Feast Week comes at you fast. You turn on the TV to see a packed gym, the crowd is loud enough to shake the screen, and when a players slams a huge dunk or hits a wild buzzer-beater, suddenly the season feels real.
Feast Week is first real test of the season for many teams. While a few teams are playing high-stakes games already, it does not compare to the feeling of playing tournament style, high-level competition back to back. The teams that were just warming up are all of the sudden facing multiple ranked opponents, divided crowds, and the kind of pressure that separates the contenders from the pretenders. It’s where you find out who’s really ready to play, who still has things to figure out before conference play, and which teams might make noise come March.
Why This Week Matters
Feast Week isn’t just a collection of games. It’s a way to tell who are the best teams in the country. Coaches tighten rotations, the young guys learn what it takes to win at this level, and every possession feels magnified. Wins here can shape confidence, momentum, and March resumes. Losses force adjustments and sometimes humbling realizations.
Top Matchups to Watch
#13 Gonzaga vs #11 Alabama (Players Era Men’s Championship, Nov. 24)
Two extremely entertaining teams that score the ball on a crazy high level. While Gonzaga has put up impressive offensive numbers against a few power five teams, they haven’t exactly been tested. Alabama on the other hand has already played three top 10 teams, defeating two of them (at #5 St. John’s and at #8 Illinois). This should be a fun shootout.
#1 Purdue vs #15 Texas Tech (Baha Mar Championship, Nov. 21)
Two physical, defensive-minded teams. This matchup involves multiple All-American candidates on the court, with two contending for National player of the year. Braden Smith of the Boilermakers and Texas Tech’s JT Toppin headline the championship game. Judging by the entertaining opening games, this seems like a contest where every possession will be huge. Expect lots of tension, big plays, and great coaching on full display.
#14 St. John’s vs #16 Iowa State (Players Era Men’s Championship, Nov. 24)
Two ranked teams that both feel overlooked and have something to prove. St. John’s has one of the most efficient offenses in the country, while Iowa State thrives on fast breaks and transition scoring. Expect a close, high-energy game where every possession could swing momentum.
#7 Michigan vs #22 Auburn (Players Era Men’s Championship, Nov. 25)
Michigan’s explosive wings meet Auburn’s physicality in a matchup built for highlight reels. The Tigers look to prove they can win big games in the Steven Pearl era. Both teams feature versatile scorers who can shoot well from outside or attack the rim at any moment. Rebounds and hustle plays will be critical.
#2 Houston vs #20 Tennessee (Players Era Men’s Championship, Nov. 25)
Houston brings a suffocating defense and methodical pace, while Tennessee thrives on speed and athleticism. Since both are extremely stout on that end, expect clutch defensive stops, forced turnovers, and moments where one play can decide the outcome.
Other Games to Watch
- #3 UConn vs #8 Illinois (Nov. 28)
Not exactly a feast week game, but it’s too great not to mention. A showdown between two top 10 teams with high stakes and heavy pressure, this one will come down to execution. - #9 BYU vs Miami (ESPN Events Invitational, Nov. 27)
Essentially a showcase of one of the biggest NBA prospects, freshman forward AJ Dybantsa, this game will have plenty of highlight plays. - #24 Kansas vs Syracuse (Player’s Era Men’s Championship, Nov. 25)
Kansas’ shooting against Syracuse’s trademark 2–3 zone creates an interesting chess match.
Early Takeaways
Feast Week outcomes will cause many fans to overreact. A team blows out a ranked opponent and suddenly looks unstoppable. A freshman hits a clutch shot and feels like a future star. One team loses and suddenly they aren’t that good. Take a breath. These games matter, but the season will be far from over when this week is done.
Feast Week is when the season stops being hypotheticals and starts being real. Talent, effort, and team chemistry become the most visible. Some teams rise, some fall, some shock, and some prove themselves to be contenders.
Feast Week isn’t just basketball. It’s drama, growth, and the first taste of the chaos that defines the sport. You can’t look away, and that’s exactly why it matters.
Stay locked in with more coverage throughout Feast Week and the season; follow @Atthebuzzz on Instagram and TikTok for updates and analysis.
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