Duke basketball has once again staked its claim among the nation’s elite, firmly securing a high position in the latest projected Top 25 rankings for the upcoming 2025–26 season. This comes as no surprise to anyone familiar with the Blue Devils’ storied tradition, their unmatched pedigree of NBA-caliber talent, or the meticulous recruiting and development efforts that have defined the program through multiple eras. With a roster that blends returning stars, top-ranked freshmen, and a coaching staff that continues to refine its vision under Jon Scheyer, Duke appears poised not only to dominate the ACC but also to make another serious run at a national championship.
This particular projection validates what insiders and analysts have been saying since the end of last season—Duke is deep, balanced, and dangerous. They boast a blend of continuity and fresh impact talent, a formula that has proven successful for national title contenders over the past decade. The Blue Devils ended last season with heartbreak in the Elite Eight, but the experience gained through those battles will now become a guiding force in their collective identity moving forward. There’s a hunger on this team, a shared understanding that unfinished business remains, and that fuels their determination as practices ramp up and the new season approaches.
At the heart of Duke’s projected success is an enviable roster that rivals any in the country. While other blue bloods have undergone massive turnover in recent months, Duke has benefited from a wave of returning talent—veteran players who could have declared for the NBA but chose instead to come back and finish what they started. That list begins with Cooper Flagg, the reigning national Freshman of the Year and an emerging face of college basketball. Flagg, who stunned the basketball world by turning down a massive NIL offer from other top programs, announced his return to Duke with a simple message: loyalty, legacy, and the desire to win a championship in Durham. He enters this season not just as a budding superstar, but as the emotional and competitive heartbeat of the team.
Flagg’s presence alone makes Duke a title contender. His rare blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ is already drawing comparisons to the likes of Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum, with his ability to stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and create offense in crunch time. But what sets him apart is his drive—an internal fire that elevates those around him. His leadership, both vocal and by example, will be a driving force behind Duke’s pursuit of a sixth national title.
Alongside Flagg, Kon Knueppel returns after turning down NBA interest to play another season in Durham. Knueppel, a 6-foot-6 guard known for his pure shooting stroke and high basketball IQ, provides spacing, versatility, and a steady hand in late-game situations. His decision to run it back speaks volumes about the culture Scheyer has built—a place where top talent doesn’t just come to pass through, but to thrive and compete for championships. Knueppel’s sharp offensive mind and calm demeanor will be critical assets as Duke navigates the tough stretches of ACC play and beyond.
Adding to the firepower is Caleb Foster, who is expected to take a major leap this season. After a promising freshman campaign, Foster has had a full offseason to work on his decision-making, shooting, and defensive discipline. His quickness and court vision make him a natural fit at point guard, and his ability to break down defenses off the dribble adds another dimension to Duke’s half-court sets. With Foster at the controls, the offense should flow with increased fluidity and pace, allowing shooters like Knueppel and Flagg more opportunities to exploit mismatches.
Duke’s frontcourt is also fortified with the addition of 7-foot-6 center Olivier Rioux, who transferred from Florida. Rioux brings a unique element to Duke’s rotation—sheer size and rim protection. While his offensive game remains a work in progress, his ability to alter shots, secure rebounds, and serve as a vertical lob threat provides the Blue Devils with something they lacked last year: a true anchor in the paint. His presence will allow perimeter defenders to take more risks, knowing they have shot-blocking insurance behind them.
Perhaps the most intriguing element of this Duke team is its depth. The bench is stacked with versatile players who could start on most other Top 25 teams. Jaden Schutt returns as a lethal shooter with deep range and the confidence to fire from anywhere. Sean Stewart, an athletic forward with energy and rebounding instincts, gives Scheyer a versatile chess piece who can defend multiple positions and crash the boards with tenacity. Newcomers from the 2025 recruiting class are also turning heads in offseason workouts, with scouts raving about their polish and maturity. The internal competition in practice will be fierce, and that can only sharpen the Blue Devils’ edge as they gear up for high-stakes games.
Coach Jon Scheyer deserves tremendous credit for orchestrating this group. Now entering his fourth season at the helm, Scheyer has quickly silenced any doubts about his ability to follow in Coach K’s footsteps. He’s recruited at an elite level, developed talent efficiently, and most importantly, instilled a culture of accountability and togetherness. Scheyer’s emphasis on defense, spacing, and ball movement has become a hallmark of Duke’s identity, and he’s grown more confident with each passing season. His ability to manage egos, communicate clearly, and make timely in-game adjustments has earned the respect of his players and peers alike. With a deep and talented roster at his disposal, this season represents a major opportunity for Scheyer to cement himself as one of the game’s premier young coaches.
The ACC will once again pose stiff challenges, with programs like North Carolina, Virginia, and Miami all retooling with strong rosters. But Duke’s experience, firepower, and defensive versatility place them in a league of their own heading into the season. Rivalry games, particularly the legendary showdowns with UNC, will carry major national implications, and every road trip through the ACC will be a test of resolve. Still, few teams possess Duke’s combination of individual talent and team cohesion, and that makes them a formidable opponent every night.
The national picture only amplifies Duke’s urgency and opportunity. Programs like Kansas, UConn, Arizona, and Baylor all rank near the top of preseason projections, and March Madness is sure to be as unpredictable as ever. But Duke, with its returning All-Americans, its influx of new talent, and its clear mission, enters the conversation not just as a Final Four contender, but as a favorite to cut down the nets. The pressure is immense, but it’s a pressure Duke welcomes—this program thrives in the spotlight, and the players embrace the weight of expectations as a badge of honor.
Outside the court, Duke continues to lead in NIL strategy, alumni engagement, and fan support. Cameron Indoor Stadium remains one of the most intimidating venues in college sports, and the “Cameron Crazies” are ready to erupt after a summer of anticipation. The energy around the program is electric, and that passion will follow Duke from coast to coast, whether they’re in Madison Square Garden, the Maui Invitational, or the Final Four.
As the countdown to tip-off accelerates, the message from Durham is loud and clear: this team is ready. Ready to compete. Ready to grow. Ready to dominate. The high placement in the latest projected Top 25 isn’t just a nod to talent—it’s a recognition of a machine running at full power. A program that refuses to rebuild, only reload. A brotherhood that’s as committed as ever to hanging another banner. The nation is watching. The spotlight is shining. And Duke basketball, once again, is right where it belongs—at the top.
