ACC Releases Conference Schedule for Men’s Basketball in 2025–2026.
The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has unveiled its men’s basketball conference schedule for the 2025–26 season, marking a significant shift in the league’s structure and scheduling approach. This season introduces a revised 18-game conference format, accommodating the recent expansion that welcomed California (Cal), Stanford, and Southern Methodist University (SMU) into the ACC fold.
The ACC’s transition to an 18-game conference schedule aims to balance traditional rivalries with the logistical challenges of an expanded league. Each team will engage in home-and-away series with two primary partners, face one additional opponent twice (home and away), and play the remaining 14 conference games against different teams, either at home or away. This structure ensures that while key rivalries are maintained, teams also experience a diverse range of opponents throughout the season.Duke Basketball Report+1Duke Basketball Report+1Atlantic Coast Conference+4Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician+4Atlantic Coast Conference+4
The new scheduling model has stirred discussions regarding its effect on longstanding rivalries. For instance, Duke will have home-and-home matchups with North Carolina and Wake Forest but will not face Miami during the regular season. Similarly, North Carolina’s schedule includes home-and-away games with Duke and NC State, but not with traditional rival Virginia. These adjustments have raised concerns about the potential dilution of historic rivalries that have been central to the ACC’s identity.Wikipedia+3Duke Basketball Report+3Duke University+3Backing The Pack+1Tomahawk Nation+1
The inclusion of Cal, Stanford, and SMU introduces fresh dynamics to the ACC. These teams will participate fully in the conference schedule, facing a mix of traditional ACC powerhouses and other new entrants. For example, SMU will have home-and-away games with Cal and Stanford, fostering new rivalries and expanding the conference’s geographical footprint.
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Duke: The Blue Devils will play home-and-away series with North Carolina and Wake Forest. They will host Boston College, Clemson, Georgia Tech, SMU, Syracuse, Virginia, and Wake Forest, while traveling to face California, Florida State, NC State, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Stanford, and Virginia Tech. Notably, Duke will not play Miami during the regular season.Wikipedia+5Duke Basketball Report+5Duke University+5
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Florida State: The Seminoles will host Boston College, Cal, Duke, NC State, Stanford, Virginia, and Wake Forest. Their away games include Clemson, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, and Virginia Tech. FSU will have home-and-away matchups with Miami and SMU but will not face Louisville during the regular season.Tomahawk Nation+1Duke Basketball Report+1
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NC State: The Wolfpack will not travel to play traditional rivals UNC or Duke but will host all three major Tobacco Road teams. They will face Virginia and Wake Forest both home and away. Home-only games include Duke, Georgia Tech, Miami, UNC, Stanford, Syracuse, and Virginia Tech. Away-only games are against Boston College, Clemson, Florida State, Louisville, Notre Dame, Pitt, and SMU.Wikipedia+7Backing The Pack+7University of North Carolina Athletics+7
The 2026 ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament is scheduled to be held at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. This venue will host the tournament in 2025, 2026, and 2028, while Greensboro Coliseum will host in 2027 and 2029. These decisions align with the ACC’s commitment to maintaining a strong presence in North Carolina, the conference’s traditional heartland.Atlantic Coast Conference+2Pittsburgh Sports Now+2ESPN.com+2
As the ACC navigates this new era of expansion and scheduling, the conference aims to balance tradition with innovation, ensuring competitive equity and preserving the rich history that defines ACC basketball.
