Get ready for another thrilling season of Duke basketball! The Blue Devils are set to make a strong statement, landing at No. 8 in the latest projected preseason top 25 rankings courtesy of The Field of 68’s Rob Dauster. This ranking is a testament to the team’s potential, with Jon Scheyer’s fourth collection of players poised to make a deep run.
The 2025-26 Duke basketball squad will likely begin the season somewhere inside the top 10, continuing a trend that dates back to Scheyer’s sophomore season as a Blue Devil guard in 2007-08. The program has consistently been a powerhouse, and this year’s team is no exception. With a strong roster and top-notch coaching, the Blue Devils are primed for success.
Duke is not alone in the ACC, as the conference boasts not one, not two, but three top-notch programs in the top 25. The Louisville Cardinals, under the leadership of Pat Kelsey, have been ranked No. 5 in the nation, a testament to their impressive roster and coaching staff. NC State, led by Will Wade, rounds out the top 25, marking a new era for the Wolfpack. But what about Duke’s arch-nemesis, UNC? Surprisingly, they’re not in the top 25 this time around, making way for the Wolfpack to shine.
The Blue Devils have a solid foundation to build upon, returning six scholarship players from the 35-win 2024-25 team. This experience will be invaluable as they take on the best of college basketball. But it’s not just the veterans who’ll drive success – the nation’s top-ranked 2025 recruiting class is set to make an immediate impact. With four five-star prospects and a talented group of freshmen, the future looks bright for Duke basketball.
As the season approaches, the question on everyone’s mind is: can Duke live up to the hype? With a talented roster and a coaching staff on fire, the Blue Devils are primed for a breakout season. They’ll face stiff competition from top-ranked programs like Purdue, Houston, Florida, and UConn, but they’re ready to take on the best. Will they rise to the challenge and prove themselves as a top-tier program? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure – Duke basketball is back and ready to take on the best. The stage is set, and the Blue Devils are ready to put on a show. With their impressive ranking and talented roster, they’re a team to watch in the upcoming season. Whether they’ll dominate the ACC or make a deep run in the NCAA tournament remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – Duke basketball is back with a vengeance.
