ESPN Says THIS Is Duke’s Must-Watch Game — And It’s Not Who You Think!
The Duke Blue Devils are never short on marquee matchups, but the 2025–26 non-conference schedule? It might just be one of the most brutal — and most exciting — slates the program has faced in years.
With showdowns lined up against college basketball giants like Florida, Kansas, Michigan, Texas, Tennessee, and Michigan State, Duke fans are guaranteed a wild ride before ACC play even begins. Every game feels like a high-stakes battle. Every opponent brings a national spotlight. And yet — out of all of them — ESPN’s Jeff Borzello believes the must-watch game on the Blue Devils’ calendar is not Kansas, not Michigan, not even Florida… but Texas.
Wait, Texas?
That’s right. In his recent feature ranking the most anticipated non-conference games for top teams, Borzello shocked some Duke faithful by pointing to the season opener against the Texas Longhorns as the matchup fans should be most excited about.
On the surface, Texas doesn’t carry the same intimidation factor as reigning national champ Florida or perennial powerhouse Kansas. They aren’t the highest-ranked team Duke will face, and they aren’t packed with preseason All-Americans. So what makes this game so special?
It’s the timing. It’s the context. And it’s the pressure.
This clash will mark the first official game of the post-Cooper Flagg era — a massive moment for Jon Scheyer’s program. Flagg, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, was not only Duke’s best player last season, but one of the most complete freshmen the sport has ever seen. He led the team in every major statistical category and dragged the Blue Devils to the Final Four.
Now, he’s gone. Along with four other starters who were all selected in the NBA Draft.
So when Duke steps onto the court on November 4 in Charlotte, it won’t just be about beating Texas. It’ll be about proving they can move forward — and that a new generation is ready to lead.
That’s where Caleb Foster comes in. The sophomore point guard struggled to find rhythm last year behind Flagg and Tyrese Proctor, but now he’s got the keys. This Texas game is a chance for Foster to show he’s ready to run the show.
It’s also the first national showcase for Duke’s No. 1-ranked recruiting class, headlined by Cameron and Cayden Boozer, Nik Khamenia, Sebastian Wilkins, and Dame Sarr. This highly touted group is loaded with talent and expectations — and all eyes will be on how they respond to the spotlight.
Borzello ranks Duke No. 12 in his early preseason rankings, and while he acknowledges the daunting road ahead, he highlights Texas as the perfect early measuring stick. A win here could ignite momentum. A loss could raise serious questions.
Meanwhile, he’s also pegged Duke vs. Michigan as the Wolverines’ most exciting matchup, calling out the depth of quality across Duke’s schedule — but still returning to Texas as the most intriguing.
In short, this game isn’t just a season opener. It’s a statement opportunity.
Will Duke’s new stars rise? Will Foster take control? Will the Blue Devils show they’re still national contenders without Cooper Flagg?
We’ll find out — under the bright lights, on opening night, against Texas.
