It didn’t take long for the first major shake-up of the college basketball season to arrive — and if you’re a Duke fan, this is the kind of chaos you absolutely love.
After just one week of play, the preseason AP Top 25 is already due for a major reshuffling. Four ranked teams — all among the preseason elite — suffered early defeats, opening the door for programs like Duke and Kentucky to climb the ladder. And let’s be honest: few teams looked more convincing, more polished, or more ready to make a national statement than the Blue Devils.
When Duke basketball takes the floor, the expectations are always sky-high. But this year, those expectations come with an extra layer of intrigue. Under Jon Scheyer, the Blue Devils have blended youthful energy with veteran poise, and their dominant first week of the 2025–26 season has shown the rest of the country that they’re coming for more than just wins — they’re coming for respect.
A Strong Start That Demands Recognition
Duke opened its campaign with a commanding 15-point win over Texas, a victory that wasn’t just about the scoreline — it was about control, confidence, and cohesion. The Blue Devils dictated tempo, dominated the boards, and showcased the kind of offensive fluidity that screams “Final Four contender.”
Then came the follow-up: a clinical dismantling of Western Carolina. Sure, it was an expected win — but there’s something to be said about handling business the way top programs are supposed to. No drama. No sluggishness. Just dominance.
That’s how you impress voters in early November. And that’s why Duke, previously ranked No. 6 in the preseason poll, is poised to break into the top five when the new AP rankings drop Monday morning.
With both Florida and St. John’s suffering opening-week losses, the door has swung wide open for Scheyer’s squad to march into elite territory.
The New Hierarchy: Who’s Rising, Who’s Falling
Let’s break it down.
Only four preseason Top 25 teams took losses in the first week:
No. 5 St. John’s fell 103–96 to Alabama.
No. 19 Kansas lost 87–74 to North Carolina.
No. 14 Arkansas dropped a 69–66 heartbreaker to Michigan State.
No. 3 Florida was outdueled 93–87 by Arizona.
Each of those defeats carries ripple effects across the national picture. And while Purdue and Houston remain untouched atop the rankings, the real drama lies in how the middle of the pack reshuffles.
Duke, having backed up preseason hype with performances that exude championship potential, is expected to leap from No. 6 into the Top 5, potentially landing as high as No. 4. That would mark the program’s highest in-season ranking since 2023 — and a major early statement from Scheyer and his team.
Meanwhile, Kentucky also turned heads with its blend of explosive offense and balanced defense, likely jumping from No. 9 into the Top 7 range. And while both teams have long histories of AP prominence, it’s Duke that looks more balanced — and more complete — through the first week of competition.
Why Duke’s Rise Matters More Than Just Numbers
For Duke fans, this isn’t just about moving up a few spots on a poll. It’s about momentum, perception, and message.
Every early season ranking sends a signal — to voters, to recruits, and to opponents. And right now, the message from Durham is clear: this team means business.
Under Scheyer, Duke has evolved into a unit that’s both disciplined and dynamic. The young stars are blending seamlessly with returning veterans, creating a mix that mirrors the program’s most successful eras. Caleb Foster looks ready to take the reins as Duke’s next big star, while the team’s depth — a consistent question mark in previous seasons — now feels like a genuine strength.
And let’s not forget the defense. Duke’s perimeter intensity and rim protection were on full display against Texas, limiting one of the Big 12’s most physical offenses to inefficient shot attempts all night. That kind of defensive identity is what separates good teams from championship teams.
A Peek at the Projected Rankings
Here’s a look at how the AP Top 10 could shape up after Monday’s update — and where Duke fits into the national picture:
Purdue (2–0) – Still the most complete team in the country, led by a dominant frontcourt.
Houston (2–0) – Unrelenting defense and a smooth offensive rhythm make them a legitimate title threat.
UConn (2–0) – The defending champs look terrifying once again after two blowout wins.
Duke (2–0) – The Blue Devils’ hot start earns them a deserved spot in the top five.
Michigan (2–0) – Coach Dusty May’s Wolverines continue to impress.
BYU (2–0) – A rising program with an early win over Villanova.
Kentucky (2–0) – The Wildcats’ athleticism and efficiency make them hard to ignore.
Arizona (1–0) – Big win over Florida propels them into the top 10.
Texas Tech (2–0) – Yet to be tested, but early numbers are promising.
Florida (1–1) – The champs slip but remain a top-10 team — for now.
Duke’s ascension doesn’t just shift the order — it reshapes the early narrative. It reinforces that the Blue Devils are one of the few teams in the nation that can win big games early, play with swagger, and maintain poise under pressure.
The Road Ahead: Tests That Will Define Duke’s Season
The climb doesn’t stop here. Duke’s upcoming schedule will offer several more chances to validate their top-five status. Rivalry games, power conference matchups, and neutral-site showcases are all on the horizon.
Scheyer knows better than anyone that early-season hype is fragile. His message to the team has been consistent: stay hungry, stay humble, and keep proving it.
If Duke continues to bring the same energy and execution that defined their first week, they could be sitting comfortably among the top three by mid-December — right where every Duke fan believes they belong.
And with Foster, McCain, and Flipowski setting the tone on both ends of the floor, it’s hard to imagine any opponent relishing the idea of meeting the Blue Devils anytime soon.
Final Thoughts: The Blue Devils Are Back in the Spotlight
Duke basketball doesn’t chase validation — it commands it.
Every dribble, every dunk, every defensive stand this week screamed one thing: we’re back. The first reshuffling of the AP Top 25 is just the beginning, a reflection of what Duke has been building under Scheyer — a powerhouse program reclaiming its place at the top of the sport.
So when the polls drop Monday, don’t be surprised to see Duke shining bright among college basketball’s giants once again. This is not just another early-season rise — it’s a statement that the Blue Devils are officially on the hunt for No. 6.
