Duke Basketball Named National Championship Contender Ahead of 2025-26 Season Following Strong Recruiting and Returning Core

Duke basketball is once again at the forefront of national championship conversations, as analysts and fans alike have begun circling the Blue Devils as a legitimate favorite ahead of the 2025-26 season. This surge of optimism stems not just from the storied history and tradition that surrounds the program, but from a combination of elite recruiting, experienced returners, coaching stability, and a renewed hunger to bring another title to Durham.

The Blue Devils, under the leadership of head coach Jon Scheyer, are entering his fourth year at the helm with increasing confidence and credibility. After navigating the challenges that come with succeeding a legend like Mike Krzyzewski, Scheyer has begun to place his own fingerprint on the program, guiding Duke to deep postseason runs and maintaining the program’s standard of excellence on the court and on the recruiting trail. The 2025-26 campaign is shaping up to be the most promising yet under Scheyer’s stewardship, with expectations that Duke could be cutting down the nets come April.

One of the biggest reasons for Duke’s contender status is the remarkable blend of talent the team is assembling for the upcoming season. The Blue Devils bring in a top-tier recruiting class, ranked among the top three nationally by most major outlets. The crown jewel of the incoming group is 5-star guard Jaylen Harrell, a consensus top-10 prospect whose ability to score from all three levels and facilitate offense makes him an immediate impact player. Harrell has drawn comparisons to former Duke star Kyrie Irving for his craftiness and clutch shot-making ability. He’s expected to start right away and will likely carry a large chunk of the offensive load.

Joining Harrell in the freshman class is a versatile wing in Elijah Strong, a powerful 6-foot-8 forward with both perimeter skill and inside toughness. Strong is known for his rebounding instincts, mid-range touch, and willingness to do the dirty work. He’s the type of player who often flies under the radar but proves to be indispensable in high-stakes tournament moments. Also part of the haul is 4-star point guard Carter Lee, who may not start immediately but brings depth, intelligence, and pace to the second unit—something Duke needed more of last year.

However, what really sets the Blue Devils apart is the group of returning players who chose to stay and run it back. The most notable returnee is junior big man Sean Stewart, who turned down NBA overtures to come back for another year of development and dominance. Stewart was a double-double machine during the 2024-25 season, and his interior defense and rim protection often saved Duke in tight games. With another offseason to improve his footwork and expand his shooting range, he could become one of the most dominant post players in college basketball.

Complementing Stewart is sophomore guard Caleb Foster, who flashed elite potential in spurts last season but battled inconsistency. With a year of experience now under his belt, Foster is expected to play a major role as a scoring guard who can take pressure off Harrell and knock down shots when defenses collapse inside. His development could be a critical x-factor in Duke’s championship pursuit.

Also back is dynamic small forward Mark Mitchell, a player who sometimes gets overshadowed due to Duke’s continual influx of new talent but remains one of the steadiest contributors in the ACC. Mitchell’s ability to guard multiple positions, finish in transition, and score efficiently without needing the ball is a luxury for a team that already boasts so many primary playmakers.

The combination of new blood and familiar faces gives Duke a roster that is both hungry and balanced. The lineup features size, speed, shooting, and depth—critical elements for any team with Final Four ambitions. Importantly, it also features players with postseason experience. The sting of an Elite Eight loss last season to eventual national champion UConn remains fresh in their minds. That loss, painful as it was, has become a source of motivation, galvanizing the locker room and fueling offseason workouts.

In terms of the broader national landscape, Duke’s competition is formidable but not insurmountable. Programs like Kansas, Houston, and North Carolina are also drawing preseason buzz, while defending champion UConn loses several key players to the NBA. Kentucky is expected to retool under Mark Pope, and Arizona and Baylor both bring back strong cores. But few programs can match Duke’s combination of recruiting pedigree and returning experience, making them a matchup nightmare for nearly every team on the schedule.

What also helps Duke’s case is their non-conference schedule. Scheyer has built a schedule that features early tests against blue-blood opponents, allowing the team to measure itself against top-tier competition well before the NCAA Tournament. These early battles are expected to reveal weaknesses while giving players a crash course in high-intensity basketball. By the time ACC play rolls around, the Blue Devils should be battle-tested and cohesive.

Moreover, Scheyer has done an admirable job of expanding his coaching acumen. While he was once seen simply as Krzyzewski’s successor, he has now established his own style. His teams emphasize ball movement, pressure defense, and a free-flowing offensive structure that allows players to use their instincts. Scheyer’s calm demeanor and tactical flexibility have earned him respect among peers and players alike. He’s grown more comfortable in late-game situations, and the roster appears to respond to his leadership.

Behind the scenes, the Duke basketball program is humming like a well-oiled machine. Assistant coaches have taken on important roles in player development, scouting, and recruitment, ensuring that the culture remains strong even as rosters turn over. The famed Cameron Indoor Stadium will again be one of the toughest venues in the country for visiting teams, with the student section—the Cameron Crazies—already preparing to welcome in the new stars and push them through the ACC gauntlet.

Speaking of the ACC, the conference may be undergoing a subtle shift, but Duke remains a pillar of consistency. Rivals like Virginia, Miami, and Florida State will provide competition, but none seem poised to dominate in the way Duke might. If the Blue Devils can handle business in conference play and avoid letdowns against lesser opponents, they could very well secure a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament—a position that has historically been favorable for them.

Despite the optimism, nothing is guaranteed. Injuries, chemistry, and unforeseen slumps can derail even the most talented teams. But as of June 2025, Duke finds itself in a uniquely advantageous position. The program has the star power, the coaching, the depth, and the momentum to make a serious run. The expectations will be heavy, as always, but this group seems uniquely equipped to handle the weight.

For Duke fans, the anticipation is sky-high. The memories of past championship runs—2010, 2015, and the many other Final Four trips—are never far from mind. Yet there’s a growing sense that this team, this season, could deliver the program’s next iconic moment. With a new crop of future NBA players, a proven core of veterans, and a head coach who has fully come into his own, the 2025-26 Duke Blue Devils are not just another talented team. They are a serious national title contender.

Come March, we’ll find out if this promising squad can transform preseason hype into postseason glory. But one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Durham.