As the 2025-26 college basketball season tips off, the Duke Blue Devils find themselves firmly back in the driver’s seat for the Atlantic Coast Conference crown. Even after losing all five of last year’s starters from the Final Four squad, Duke was voted the preseason favorite to win the ACC — securing 34 of 49 first-place votes and 866 points in the media poll. That level of confidence speaks volumes about the program’s depth, coaching, and recruiting prowess.
Here’s a deeper look at why Duke is not just expected to vie for the ACC title — but truly positioned to claim it — as well as the key questions that could determine whether the Blue Devils meet those lofty expectations.
Why Duke is the clear frontrunner
1. Elite recruiting and impact freshmen
Even after the departure of high-end talent to the NBA, Duke hasn’t faltered in reloading. Freshman forward Cameron Boozer is the headline: a five-star recruit, highly rated nationally, and already pegged as a contender for both ACC Rookie and Player of the Year. His arrival gives Duke an immediate go-to option inside, and he joins a supporting cast of talented, hungry young players.
2. Continuity in culture and coaching
Under head coach Jon Scheyer, the Blue Devils remain a model of consistency. Even with roster turnover, the program’s identity — high standards, relentless preparation, national ambitions — persists. The fact that the team even after losing five starters is still the ACC pick shows how much trust is invested in Scheyer’s system and the infrastructure at Durham.
3. Opportunity in a transitioning ACC
The ACC, for its part, is in a phase of rebuilding and recalibration. After a down year in which the conference managed just four NCAA tournament bids, there’s a sense of optimism — but also a sense that the top teams are clearer to identify than in some years past. Duke stands out amid that landscape because of its pedigree and immediate readiness, which gives it a head-start.
What supports the “favorite” label
Duke is coming off a strong run — the Final Four appearance gives credibility and momentum, and the expectation is that the program will pick right back up where it left off.
The preseason projections consistently place Duke at No. 1 in the ACC. For example, CBS Sports projected Duke to finish first in the ACC in its expert picks.
The combination of youth + experience is intriguing: while the freshmen bring upside, there are returners and transfers poised to step up. For instance, sophomore wing Isaiah Evans is expected to play a bigger role this season.
Key questions and potential pitfalls
Despite all the positives, being the favorite doesn’t guarantee a title. Here are some of the issues Duke must navigate:
A. How will the new roster gel?
Losing all five starters is a considerable challenge. Transitioning to new lineups, new combinations, and fresh leadership takes time. The freshmen may have star power, but college basketball is a different beast. Duke must find chemistry quickly if it wants to avoid early stumbles.
B. Will Duke handle the pressure of expectation?
Being picked as the favorite raises the bar. Every opponent will aim to beat the Blue Devils; every conference game will have extra intensity. Maintaining focus and composure throughout a long season is vital.
C. How strong are the challengers?
While Duke is the heavy favorite, the ACC has teams improving. For instance, Louisville Cardinals are picked second in the preseason poll, and programs such as NC State Wolfpack are under new leadership and bringing fresh energy. Duke must guard against being caught off-guard by resurgent rivals.
D. Can Duke avoid major injuries or setbacks?
Like any team, Duke’s margin for error isn’t infinite. Relying on promising young players means that disruptions could have outsized effects. Depth will matter.
What to watch this season
Non-conference schedule: Duke opens the season with a marquee matchup against Texas Longhorns in Charlotte, a game that will test them early and set a tone.
Freshmen development: How quickly Cameron Boozer and his classmates adjust to the college game — both offensively and defensively — will be pivotal.
Returner breakout: If Evans, Patrick Ngongba II, Maliq Brown and others can elevate their games, Duke’s ceiling rises significantly.
Conference games: The ACC grind begins late December/early January — Duke must be ready for the physicality, the rivalries and the demands of 18 conference games.
Final thoughts
In many ways, this feels like a return to form for Duke. The school, the program and its history demand nothing less than chasing championships. The fact that the Blue Devils are the preseason favorite for the ACC, even with major roster changes, speaks to the strength of the institution and the expectations built into it.
That said, being the favorite means nothing if the team doesn’t execute. They’ll need to balance the excitement of new talent with the steadiness of program culture; they’ll need to stay healthy; and they’ll need to avoid complacency — because the ACC, while on the rise, is still a conference full of hungry programs willing to take a bite out of the favorite.
If Duke plays up to its talent, stays locked in and handles the transition smoothly, then yes — this is a team that is very likely to capture the ACC crown. And if all goes right, they won’t just stop at the conference; they’ll be serious contenders on the national stage once again.
