The road to greatness never sleeps in Durham — and Jon Scheyer’s Duke Blue Devils are proof of that. After a thrilling run to the NCAA Tournament championship game last season, Duke enters the 2025-26 campaign with one mission on its mind: finish the job. This time, the Blue Devils aren’t just chasing banners — they’re chasing legacy. With a reloaded roster, national attention, and a schedule built for champions, Scheyer’s crew is ready to show college basketball why the road to March still runs through Cameron Indoor Stadium.
A Championship Vision
Jon Scheyer isn’t satisfied with coming close — he wants it all. Duke’s head coach, entering another season of elite expectations, has assembled one of the most talented and athletic teams in the nation. The goal? Cut down the nets at the end of the ACC Tournament and make another deep run toward the NCAA title game.
The Blue Devils’ schedule reflects that hunger — it’s not for the faint of heart. Over the course of a grueling 31-game regular season, Duke will face powerhouse programs from the Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC, including a showdown with the defending national champion Florida Gators.
Simply put — this team isn’t dodging anyone. They’re running toward the smoke.
An Explosive Start to the Season
The action begins November 4th, when Duke faces off against Texas in the Dick Vitale Invitational in Charlotte — a perfect early-season test on a national stage. Two weeks later, Scheyer’s squad will travel to the Mecca of basketball, Madison Square Garden, to meet Kansas in the State Farm Champions Classic.
And just when you think November couldn’t get any tougher, it does. Duke closes out the month with a special holiday showdown that’s sure to tug at Scheyer’s heartstrings — a return to his hometown of Chicago for the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic against Arkansas.
Three powerhouse programs. Three massive stages. One clear message: Duke fears no one.
The Gator Showdown — and a December to Remember
While November sets the tone, December brings the fireworks. One of the biggest games on the college basketball calendar will take place when Todd Golden’s Florida Gators visit Cameron Indoor Stadium for the ACC/SEC Challenge.
Both teams reached the Final Four last season, and this matchup has “instant classic” written all over it. Scheyer’s young Blue Devils will have a chance to show just how much they’ve grown — and fans can bet Cameron will be electric when the Gators come to town.
This isn’t just another game. It’s a measuring stick for a team chasing destiny.
Inside the ACC Gauntlet
The ACC slate will once again be a war zone, with every team looking to knock off the Blue Devils. Due to the abbreviated league schedule, Duke won’t host NC State this season, but they’ll still make the quick trip to Raleigh in early March for what promises to be a fierce showdown.
And, of course, no Duke schedule is complete without the Battle of the Blues — Duke vs. North Carolina.
The Blue Devils will head to Chapel Hill on February 7th, before hosting the Tar Heels a month later at Cameron to close out the regular season in one of college basketball’s most heated rivalries. The atmosphere? Expect fireworks, emotions, and maybe even history.
Preseason Tune-Ups — Familiar Faces and Big Tests
Before the madness begins, Duke will sharpen its iron in two key exhibition matchups. First, they’ll welcome Johnny Dawkins and his UCF Knights to Cameron Indoor — a true homecoming for a Blue Devil legend. Then comes a tough road trip to Knoxville to take on Tennessee on October 26th, a game that should test the team’s chemistry early.
These exhibitions aren’t just warm-ups — they’re statement opportunities. Every possession, every play, every name on that jersey carries meaning when you wear Duke blue.
Eyes on the Prize
Jon Scheyer’s message to his team is simple: the job’s not finished.
With a roster built on size, speed, and hunger, Duke is once again positioned as a legitimate contender for both the ACC and NCAA crowns. The expectations are sky-high — and that’s exactly how Duke likes it.
From the spotlight of Madison Square Garden to the intensity of Cameron Indoor, the Blue Devils’ journey this season promises to be filled with unforgettable moments, emotional victories, and tests that will define who they really are.
Scheyer’s team isn’t just playing for wins — they’re playing for legacy, pride, and the right to hang another banner among the greats.
Final Word
The 2025-26 season isn’t just another chapter in Duke basketball history — it’s a chance to rewrite it.
A chance for Jon Scheyer to prove his leadership, for his players to etch their names in Duke lore, and for the fans to witness another unforgettable run in the Blue Devil era.
So buckle up, Duke Nation — the journey to the top begins now. And if the Blue Devils have their way, it’s only ending one way… with scissors in hand and confetti falling. .
