A respected college basketball analyst has just dropped a bold Duke basketball Final Four prediction, and it’s sending waves across the fanbase. With a talented roster and renewed leadership, Duke enters the 2025–26 season as a national title contender once again.
Analyst Jon Rothstein didn’t hold back in his latest segment, naming the Blue Devils among the most complete teams in the country. “They have depth, athleticism, and high-IQ guys. If they stay healthy, they’re going to Houston,” Rothstein said, referencing the Final Four site.
Duke’s lineup supports the hype. Sophomore guard Caleb Foster is expected to take a huge leap, building on a strong freshman campaign. The frontcourt will feature Khaman Maluach, a 7-footer with elite defensive instincts and an expanding offensive skill set. The return of junior forward Mark Mitchell adds experience and toughness.
Head coach Jon Scheyer has emphasized team chemistry during the offseason. The team held a series of summer workouts and open practices that impressed fans and insiders alike. With high buy-in from both veterans and new additions, the Blue Devils appear locked in.
One major X-factor? Five-star freshman Cooper Flagg. While still developing, Flagg has the tools to make an immediate impact. If he finds his rhythm by February, Duke’s ceiling skyrockets.
The Blue Devils’ schedule will test their mettle early. Non-conference matchups with Kansas and Michigan State will offer insight into how tournament-ready this team truly is. But Rothstein and others believe the pieces are already in place.
For fans, the Final Four buzz brings back memories of past glory. Duke hasn’t reached the national semifinal since Coach K’s final season in 2022. This new era under Scheyer seeks not just to return—but to finish the job.
