The Duke Blue Devils are steering clear of easy wins to start the 2025-26 college basketball season, opting instead for a high-profile matchup that will immediately test the team’s grit and talent. According to national college basketball insider Jon Rothstein, Duke and Texas are in the final stages of locking in a showdown at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte on November 4, a season-opening clash that promises fireworks.
Though the rosters are still being finalized, the early buzz around this matchup is palpable. Texas, a consistent powerhouse in the Big 12 (and now a new member of the SEC), provides a formidable opening test for Jon Scheyer’s fourth season at the helm in Durham. This isn’t just an opening game—it’s a statement of intent.
But the Texas game is just the beginning of what is shaping up to be one of the toughest non-conference slates in the country. On November 11, the Blue Devils will travel to face Army in a rare true road game—a unique and sentimental challenge given Duke’s historical ties to West Point through coaching legend Mike Krzyzewski.
Then, the stakes rise even higher. On November 18, Duke is slated to take on perennial powerhouse Kansas as part of the prestigious Champions Classic, held this year at Madison Square Garden in New York City. That high-profile event will feature elite talent and likely top-10 rankings, delivering early insight into the national title race.
Just over a week later, on November 27, the Blue Devils will head to the Windy City to battle Arkansas in the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic at the United Center. The Razorbacks, now a regular in postseason play under their energized coaching staff, are expected to field another dangerous team, making this Thanksgiving showdown one to circle on the calendar.
December won’t bring any let-up either. Duke is scheduled to visit Michigan State for yet another true road game against a likely ranked opponent. The Blue Devils have had memorable matchups with Tom Izzo’s Spartans over the years, and this one figures to be no different. Adding to the challenge is a likely ACC/SEC Challenge contest against another ranked opponent, further bolstering the schedule’s strength.
In a final non-conference flourish, Duke will face Michigan in a neutral-site battle in Washington, D.C., in February—an unusual but exciting late-season test before the meat of ACC play concludes.
This demanding schedule reflects Duke’s ambition and confidence in its young roster, highlighted by returning sophomores like Isaiah Evans and Caleb Foster, who are expected to step into starring roles. With a mix of elite incoming talent and seasoned returners, the Blue Devils are embracing every challenge.
Rather than easing into the season, Duke is going all in from Day One—and fans should expect nothing less than big-time matchups and prime-time drama.
