Duke University entered the 2026‑27 men’s basketball season ranked No. 2 in the preseason AP Top 25, positioning the Blue Devils as a top contender for the 2027 national championship.
A stacked nonconference slate
The schedule features five marquee contests, including a showdown with preseason No. 1 Florida on Dec. 1, a trip to Las Vegas to face No. 4 UConn on Nov. 25, and a meeting with No. 3 Illinois on Nov. 17. Additional games against Michigan State (Nov. 10) and Texas Tech (Dec. 21) round out the slate.
Coach K’s roster blends returning stars such as Cayden Boozer, Dame Sarr and Caleb Foster with newcomers like Thomas Haugh and Jeremy Fears Jr., who add depth and experience. Freshman Joaquim Boumtje‑Boumtje is already being touted as a potential 2028 NBA Draft prospect.
Florida, co‑favorite with Duke for the national title, brings a loaded lineup that includes Thomas Haugh, a preseason candidate for national player of the year. Illinois returns four of its top six scorers, among them Andrej Stojaković and David Mirković, though Mirković’s availability is uncertain after foot surgery.
The schedule also sets up potential rematches, notably a repeat of last season’s Elite Eight clash with UConn and a possible second meeting with Texas Tech. These high‑profile games are expected to shape the early narrative of the season and test Duke’s title aspirations.