The 2025–26 Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball season is poised to be a compelling chapter in the storied history of the program. Under the guidance of head coach Jon Scheyer, the Blue Devils are set to navigate an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) schedule that reflects both the traditions of the conference and the evolving landscape of college basketball.dukebasketballschedule.comdukebasketballschedule.com+2Duke University+2SI+2
In the 2025–26 season, the ACC has adopted an 18-game conference schedule, eliminating divisions and introducing a 3–5–5 model. This format ensures that each team plays three primary opponents annually and faces the other 10 league teams twice during a four-year cycle, once at home and once on the road. For Duke, this means maintaining traditional rivalries while also accommodating the inclusion of new conference members like California, Stanford, and SMU .Wikipedia+1University of Miami Athletics+1University of Miami Athletics+1Wikipedia+1
Duke’s primary annual opponents remain North Carolina, NC State, and Wake Forest. These matchups are among the most anticipated in college basketball, drawing significant attention and adding to the rich tapestry of ACC rivalries. In addition to these, Duke will face Louisville both at home and away, continuing a competitive series that has intensified in recent years.Wikipedia+7Duke Basketball Report+7Duke University+7BASKET LE MAG
The Blue Devils’ home-only opponents for the season include Boston College, Clemson, Georgia Tech, SMU, Syracuse, Virginia, and Wake Forest. Each of these teams presents unique challenges. Clemson, with its strong defensive schemes, and Virginia, known for its methodical pace and disciplined play, will test Duke’s adaptability and resilience. SMU, as a newer member of the ACC, brings a fresh dynamic to the conference, while Syracuse’s zone defense remains a perennial hurdle for opposing offenses.Duke University+2Duke Basketball Report+2Duke University+2
On the road, Duke will travel to face California, Florida State, NC State, Notre Dame, Pitt, Stanford, and Virginia Tech. These away games are crucial for the Blue Devils’ conference standing. Notably, the trip to NC State is always a high-stakes encounter, given the Wolfpack’s passionate fan base and the historical significance of the matchup. Similarly, games at Pitt and Notre Dame are expected to be formidable, with both teams known for their tough, physical play.Backing The Pack+4Duke Basketball Report+4Duke University+4
One notable absence from Duke’s regular-season schedule is Miami. The two teams will not meet during the 2025–26 season, a scheduling quirk that has drawn criticism from fans and analysts alike. This omission underscores the challenges inherent in the ACC’s expanded format, where maintaining traditional rivalries can sometimes be at odds with logistical constraints .Duke Basketball Report+1Duke Basketball Report+1
The ACC’s new scheduling model, while designed to ensure that each team faces every other team at least once every four years, has sparked debate regarding its impact on the conference’s competitive balance and the preservation of longstanding rivalries. Critics argue that the reduction in home-and-home series diminishes the intensity and frequency of traditional matchups, potentially affecting the overall excitement and fairness of the conference schedule .Duke Basketball Report+2University of Miami Athletics+2Wikipedia+2Duke Basketball Report
For Duke, the 2025–26 season represents an opportunity to build upon the successes of the previous year. The Blue Devils concluded the 2024–25 season with a 35–4 record, capturing both the ACC regular-season and tournament titles. Their journey to the Final Four highlighted the team’s depth, resilience, and the effective leadership of Coach Scheyer. Key players from that squad, including Cooper Flagg, Tyrese Proctor, and Caleb Foster, are expected to return, providing a solid foundation for the upcoming season.dukebasketballschedule.com+1Duke University+1Duke University+5Duke University+5Duke University+5
The integration of new talent will also be pivotal. The 2025 recruiting class, regarded as one of the nation’s best, brings in players who are anticipated to make immediate impacts. Their development throughout the season will be crucial as Duke aims to maintain its status as a national powerhouse.Duke University+3dukebasketballschedule.com+3Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician+3
As the season progresses, the Blue Devils’ performance in these ACC matchups will be closely monitored, not only for their implications on the conference standings but also for their potential to shape the NCAA Tournament landscape. Duke’s ability to navigate the challenges posed by both familiar foes and new opponents will be a testament to the program’s enduring excellence and adaptability in an ever-evolving college basketball environment.
