Duke vs. Caleb Love: A March Madness Rivalry Renewed or a New Chapter in NCAA Tournament History?
March Madness has a way of creating unforgettable moments and intense rivalries. One such rivalry that has captivated college basketball fans in recent years is the ongoing battle between Duke and Caleb Love. As the 2025 NCAA Tournament unfolds, the question on everyone’s mind is whether this matchup will reignite one of the most talked-about individual battles in college basketball or if a new chapter will be written in tournament history.
A Rivalry Forged in March Madness
The history between Caleb Love and Duke dates back to his time at North Carolina, where he established himself as one of the Blue Devils’ biggest tormentors. Love’s legendary performances in the iconic Duke-UNC rivalry, particularly in the NCAA Tournament, are etched in the memories of college basketball fans. His most famous moment came in the 2022 Final Four, where he hit a dagger three-pointer that sealed UNC’s victory over Duke, effectively ending legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski’s career.
Since then, whenever Love steps onto the court against Duke, it feels like more than just another game—it’s personal.
New Team, Same Fierce Competitor
Fast forward to 2025, and Caleb Love is no longer wearing Carolina blue. After transferring to Arizona, he has continued to thrive as one of the most electrifying guards in the nation. His ability to take over games with his clutch shooting and fearless mentality has made Arizona a formidable force in the tournament.
Despite playing in a different conference, the NCAA Tournament has a funny way of bringing familiar foes back together. With both Duke and Arizona making deep runs in March Madness, the possibility of another epic showdown looms large. The thought of Love facing Duke once again in a win-or-go-home setting has only fueled excitement among basketball fans.
Duke’s New Look and Redemption Mindset
While Caleb Love has moved on, so has Duke. The Blue Devils have reloaded with a new generation of talent, led by a mix of experienced veterans and dynamic freshmen. Unlike past matchups where Love faced different iterations of Duke’s roster, this time, the Blue Devils come into the tournament determined to write a different script.
The current Duke squad isn’t burdened by the ghosts of past losses to Love, but they are well aware of his reputation. If the two sides meet again in March, the Blue Devils will be looking to prove that this is their time—that the Caleb Love curse no longer exists.
Will History Repeat Itself, or Is a New Chapter About to Unfold?
If Duke and Arizona cross paths in the NCAA Tournament, it won’t just be about advancing to the next round—it will be about legacy, redemption, and the continuation (or end) of an unexpected rivalry.
For Love, it’s another chance to solidify his status as a Duke killer, adding another chapter to his already storied March Madness career. For Duke, it’s a golden opportunity to erase past memories and establish a new narrative, proving that this era of Blue Devils basketball is different.
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: if Duke and Caleb Love meet once again in the tournament, it will be must-watch television. The stakes are higher than ever, and the basketball world will be watching closely to see whether this is a rivalry renewed—or a new chapter in NCAA history waiting to be written.
