As the 2025 college basketball season heats up, the Duke Blue Devils have once again emerged as a dominant force in the NCAA, capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike. After a tumultuous but successful few seasons under head coach Jon Scheyer, the Blue Devils have positioned themselves as the new betting favorite to win the NCAA Tournament. This marks a significant shift in the college basketball landscape, as Duke has reasserted its place among the elite programs in the nation.
While Duke’s history is filled with national championships and Final Four appearances, the team’s resurgence as the betting favorite is more than just a nod to its past successes. It’s a reflection of a well-balanced roster, a proven head coach, and a culture of excellence that has been carefully cultivated under Scheyer’s leadership. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why the Duke Blue Devils are now the betting favorite to win the NCAA Tournament, the key players who will drive their success, and what it means for the future of the program.
The Return to Dominance Under Jon Scheyer
Jon Scheyer’s tenure as Duke’s head coach has been nothing short of impressive. Taking over the reins from the legendary Mike Krzyzewski in 2022 was a monumental task, given Coach K’s unparalleled legacy in college basketball. However, Scheyer has shown that he is more than capable of maintaining the program’s high standards and continuing the Duke tradition of excellence.
In his first two years at the helm, Scheyer navigated the challenges of building his own identity while maintaining the high expectations of Duke basketball. The Blue Devils reached the Sweet 16 in his first season and made it to the Final Four in 2025, showcasing their ability to compete with the best in the country. While the team ultimately fell short of a national title that season, the fact that Duke was back in the Final Four so quickly after Coach K’s retirement speaks volumes about Scheyer’s ability to keep the program at the top.
Scheyer’s coaching style is rooted in the principles that made Duke successful under Coach K, such as a commitment to tough defense, high basketball IQ, and team-first mentality. However, Scheyer has also injected his own style into the program, emphasizing a more modern approach to the game. His ability to adapt and connect with players, especially in the recruiting realm, has allowed Duke to attract a mix of elite talent — blending experienced upperclassmen with dynamic freshmen.
Under Scheyer’s leadership, Duke has been able to recruit some of the best players in the country, including the top-ranked 2025 recruit Cooper Flagg, a 6’9″ forward who is already considered one of the best high school prospects in recent years. The infusion of this top-tier talent, coupled with Scheyer’s experience, has been a key factor in Duke being the new betting favorite to win the NCAA Tournament. The Blue Devils are not just a team built on tradition; they are a team built for the future, with a head coach capable of navigating the complexities of modern college basketball.
A Talented and Balanced Roster
One of the primary reasons why Duke is now the betting favorite for the NCAA Tournament is their exceptionally talented and well-rounded roster. The Blue Devils have a perfect blend of experienced upperclassmen and explosive freshmen, with each player contributing in meaningful ways to the team’s success. This depth and balance make them a formidable force in the college basketball landscape.
The Freshmen Phenoms
Duke’s recruiting class for 2025 is one of the most highly touted in recent memory. The arrival of Cooper Flagg, widely regarded as the best high school prospect of his class, is a game-changer for the program. Flagg’s versatility and defensive prowess make him a potential national player of the year candidate, and his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor will make Duke an incredibly tough team to beat.
In addition to Flagg, Duke has a number of other highly-ranked freshmen who will play critical roles on the roster. Players like Jared McCain, a dynamic point guard with excellent ball-handling skills, and Sean Stewart, a forward known for his rebounding and rim protection, will add even more firepower to an already stacked lineup. These players, alongside Flagg, give Duke a youthful energy and an infusion of talent that other programs can only dream of.
The Returners
While the freshmen class is incredibly talented, Duke’s returning players are equally important to the team’s championship aspirations. Tyrese Proctor, the talented Australian guard, has emerged as one of the team’s leaders and a potential All-American candidate. Proctor’s ability to create plays, score efficiently, and provide leadership on the court has made him one of the key players on the roster.
Mark Mitchell, another returning player, has proven himself to be a dynamic forward capable of scoring in multiple ways while providing solid defense. Mitchell’s experience and versatility will be vital for Duke as they look to challenge for the national title. Additionally, players like Jeremy Roach, a veteran point guard, provide stability and leadership, especially in high-pressure situations.
With a solid mix of talented freshmen and seasoned returners, Duke is uniquely positioned to challenge for a national title. The combination of athleticism, skill, and experience across all positions makes the Blue Devils a well-rounded team that can excel in multiple areas of the game.
A Dominant Defense
One of the pillars of Duke basketball, both under Coach K and Coach Scheyer, has been a commitment to strong defense. The Blue Devils’ defense has been one of the most consistent and dominant in the country in recent years, and it’s a key reason why they are the favorites to win the NCAA Tournament.
Duke’s defense is anchored by one of the best shot-blockers in the country in Cooper Flagg. His ability to protect the rim, alter shots, and disrupt opposing offenses makes him an immediate defensive force. In addition to Flagg’s elite shot-blocking, Duke also boasts strong defenders in Mark Mitchell and Jeremy Roach, who are capable of guarding multiple positions and creating turnovers.
Duke’s defensive prowess is not just about individual talent; it’s also about their team-oriented approach to defense. The Blue Devils are known for their disciplined and aggressive defensive schemes, which often result in turnovers and fast-break opportunities. This aggressive defense leads to easy points and puts pressure on opposing offenses to perform at a high level to keep up with Duke’s scoring attack.
In March Madness, defense often wins championships, and Duke’s ability to shut down high-powered offenses will be a major factor in their pursuit of a national title. The Blue Devils’ defense, combined with their offensive firepower, makes them an incredibly dangerous team in the tournament.
Depth and Versatility
Another reason why the Blue Devils are the favorites to win the NCAA Tournament is the team’s depth and versatility. Duke has multiple players who can play a variety of positions, which gives them flexibility in different game situations. Whether it’s playing a small ball lineup with stretch forwards or going big with a traditional center, Duke has the personnel to match up with any team in the country.
This depth also allows Scheyer to rotate players in and out of the lineup without sacrificing production. Players like Tyrese Proctor, Cooper Flagg, and Jared McCain can each play multiple roles on offense and defense, which allows Duke to adjust to different matchups and game styles. This versatility makes the Blue Devils unpredictable and difficult to game plan for.
The Legacy of Duke Basketball
While the current roster and coaching staff are key to Duke’s success, the program’s rich basketball legacy cannot be ignored. Duke is one of the most storied programs in college basketball history, with five national championships, multiple Final Four appearances, and a tradition of excellence under Coach K. The program’s history has created a winning culture that continues to thrive under Scheyer’s leadership.
For many recruits, the chance to play for Duke is about more than just winning championships; it’s about being a part of a tradition and legacy that stretches back decades. This winning mentality is instilled in every player who walks through the doors of Cameron Indoor Stadium, and it’s one of the key reasons why the Blue Devils are perennial contenders.
What the Future Holds for Duke
The 2025 season marks a turning point for Duke basketball, as they return to their rightful place as the betting favorite to win the NCAA Tournament. With a talented and well-rounded roster, a coach with a clear vision for success, and a commitment to excellence on both ends of the floor, the Blue Devils are poised to compete for a national title.
As the season progresses, Duke will face a tough road to the Final Four, with formidable opponents such as Kansas, Kentucky, and Houston also in the mix. However, given their talent, depth, and championship pedigree, the Blue Devils are in prime position to emerge as the national champion when the dust settles in April.
Duke’s resurgence as the NCAA Tournament favorite is not just a sign of their strength in the present — it’s a statement about the program’s future. With a mix of elite recruits, veteran players, and a coach who understands what it takes to succeed on the biggest stage, the Blue Devils’ best days are still ahead.
For now, fans can look forward to what should be an exhilarating NCAA Tournament run. The Blue Devils are ready to reclaim their place atop college basketball, and they are the team to beat as they chase their next national title.
