Duke University’s men’s basketball program is once again positioned as a front‑runner for the 2026‑27 NCAA championship, a status reflected in the latest odds released by FanDuel Sportsbook.
A Revamped Roster
The Blue Devils have assembled a deep group after losing Cameron Boozer, Maliq Brown and Isaiah Evans to the NBA. Senior point guard Caleb Foster returns after a foot injury limited him to 30 starts last season, while senior shooting guard John Blackwell transferred from Wisconsin and averaged 19.1 points and 5.1 rebounds in 34 games. Junior center Patrick Ngongba II, once projected as a late first‑round pick in 2026, now looms as a potential lottery selection in the 2027 draft. Freshman Joaquín Boumtje‑Boumtje, a 7‑foot‑2 presence, is slated to be ineligible for the 2027 draft but is already discussed as a possible No. 1 pick in 2028.
A Grueling Non‑Conference Slate
Duke’s schedule features a series of high‑profile matchups against teams ranked in the preseason poll, including Florida, UConn, Illinois, Michigan State, Texas Tech and Gonzaga. The first of those tests arrives on December 1 when the Blue Devils travel to Gainesville, Florida, for the ACC/SEC Challenge. The game will be played at the Exact Sciences Arena, a venue that has hosted numerous marquee contests in recent years.
Countdown to Craziness
The annual Countdown to Craziness event is set for October 3 at Cameron Indoor Stadium, where fans can expect a preview of the upcoming season, player introductions and a glimpse of the team’s chemistry before the first regular‑season game.
Title Odds
FanDuel Sportsbook lists Duke tied for the best odds to win the 2026‑27 national championship at +600, matching Florida’s projection. The Blue Devils have not captured a title since 2015, but recent ACC championships built around stars such as Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel and Cameron Boozer suggest a strong foundation. Head coach Jon Scheyer begins his fifth season without a top‑three NBA draft prospect for the first time in three years, a circumstance that could shape the team’s identity and depth throughout the campaign.