Duke University’s basketball program enters the 2026‑27 campaign as the clear favorite to capture a third consecutive ACC regular‑season and tournament championship, a feat that would cement its status as the conference’s benchmark of excellence under head coach Jon Scheyer.
The ACC’s Growing Depth
The Atlantic Coast Conference is poised to feature its deepest field in recent memory, with teams bolstering their rosters and coaching staffs, making every night in the league increasingly unpredictable and challenging for any opponent.
Duke’s slate begins on December 30 with a non‑conference showdown against Georgia Tech, a matchup that, while not expected to test the Blue Devils’ mettle, serves as an early gauge of the team’s readiness for the rigors of ACC play.
Having posted a 36‑2 record in ACC competition over the past two seasons, Duke has demonstrated a sustained ability to navigate the league’s challenges, capturing back‑to‑back conference titles under head coach Jon Scheyer.
As the schedule intensifies, the Blue Devils will face a series of formidable opponents, but the combination of Scheyer’s proven system, a strong recruiting pipeline, and the team’s recent dominance positions them to remain at the summit of the ACC.