The Blue Devils will open the next season with a schedule that reads like a championship preview, featuring a string of games against teams that reached the Final Four and the national title game.
A demanding road ahead
Among the highlights is a neutral‑site matchup against Washington State, set for November 21 in Palm Springs, California, as part of the newly minted Acrisure Series.
The Palm Springs showdown
The contest will sit between Duke’s earlier home test against Illinois on November 17 and a highly anticipated showdown with UConn in Las Vegas on November 25, creating a compact stretch of high‑stakes games.
Washington State, a member of the rejuvenated Pac‑12 that also includes traditional powers such as Gonzaga and San Diego State, brings a fresh but formidable brand of play to the neutral venue.
Coach Jon Scheyer has emphasized that the early slate is designed to test the team’s depth and resilience, preparing the Blue Devils for the rigors of ACC competition and the NCAA tournament.
Looking ahead
The schedule’s intensity reflects a broader trend in college basketball, where conferences are curating marquee non‑conference series to boost exposure and competitive balance.
Fans can expect a season that not only showcases elite talent but also offers a clear gauge of where Duke stands as it seeks another deep tournament run.