Under Jon Scheyer, the Blue Devils are reestablishing themselves as a basketball force, and the 2025–26 campaign may be their most thrilling to date.

When Jon Scheyer took over the reins of Duke basketball in 2022, he stepped into the immense shadow cast by legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. While expectations were sky-high, the college basketball world braced itself for the uncertainty that typically accompanies a coaching transition. Yet three years into his tenure, Scheyer has not only stabilized the program but rejuvenated its national profile. With a formidable recruiting class, returning veterans, and a growing sense of identity, the 2025–26 Blue Devils are shaping up to be Scheyer’s most thrilling team yet.

Following Krzyzewski’s retirement, some wondered whether Duke could maintain its elite status in a rapidly evolving college basketball landscape. The NIL era, the transfer portal, and the increasing parity of talent had changed the rules of engagement. Scheyer, however, approached the task with a calm confidence and a deep understanding of what made Duke successful for decades.

Rather than attempting to replicate Krzyzewski’s every move, Scheyer has leaned into his strengths: player development, relatability with today’s athletes, and a modern approach to roster building. His teams have consistently improved over the course of each season, and now, entering Year 4, Duke looks poised to take the next step.

Scheyer has implemented a style that blends traditional Duke principles—tenacious defense, ball movement, and high basketball IQ—with a more fluid and flexible offensive scheme. He encourages spacing, tempo, and positionless basketball. It’s a style that resonates with recruits and fits today’s NBA-influenced college game.

This balance was on display during the 2024–25 season when the Blue Devils reached the Elite Eight, falling just short of a Final Four berth. That run, led by a blend of freshmen stars and experienced leaders, marked a turning point for Scheyer’s credibility as a top-tier coach.

Looking ahead, the buzz surrounding the 2025–26 Duke team is palpable—and justifiably so. Scheyer has assembled a roster that could very well be the deepest and most dynamic in the country.

One of the most promising aspects of the upcoming season is the number of experienced players opting to return. Guard Tyrese Proctor, now a senior, has emerged as a true floor general and leader. His decision to forego the NBA Draft to return for one final season shocked many but reflects his belief in the team’s potential. His ability to control the pace of the game, hit timely shots, and defend the perimeter will be invaluable.

Similarly, sophomore forward Caleb Foster and big man Christian Reeves have taken massive steps forward, with Foster evolving into a two-way wing threat and Reeves providing reliable rim protection and interior scoring.

But the real buzz centers around Duke’s No. 1 ranked recruiting class, headlined by Cooper Flagg, the most hyped high school prospect since Zion Williamson. Flagg’s mix of athleticism, length, and basketball IQ makes him an immediate game-changer. Already projected as a top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Flagg brings intensity and versatility that will define the team’s identity.

Joining him are other elite recruits like guard Koa Peat, a 6-foot-8 playmaker with an elite passing touch, and center Jayden Quaintance, a physically dominant presence who reclassified and is ready to contribute immediately. This mix of size, skill, and maturity puts Duke in a rare position to dominate on both ends of the court.

What makes this roster particularly exciting is its positional flexibility. Flagg, Peat, Foster, and Proctor can all initiate offense. They can switch defensively across three or four positions, and Scheyer has designed a system that allows them to exploit mismatches rather than be confined to traditional roles.

With so many ball-handlers and playmakers, Duke can play fast, run in transition, or grind out games in the halfcourt. Their offensive sets allow for constant movement, dribble-handoff action, and five-out spacing that keeps defenses guessing. And defensively, their length across the board enables an aggressive, switch-heavy scheme.

While talent wins games, chemistry wins championships. This has been another area where Scheyer’s leadership has paid off. He has emphasized relationships, trust, and accountability. The result is a locker room where stars check egos at the door.

Veterans mentor freshmen. Everyone buys into defense. Practices are known to be intense but constructive, with Scheyer constantly communicating and adjusting. Assistant coaches like Chris Carrawell and Jai Lucas have been instrumental in maintaining continuity and recruiting top-tier talent.

In many ways, this culture mirrors the best of the Krzyzewski era—adapted for a new generation.

Scheyer has also embraced the realities of modern college basketball. Duke’s ability to compete in the NIL space, while maintaining academic and cultural integrity, has given it a major edge. Players know they can build their brands while developing in a stable, nationally prominent environment.

Additionally, Scheyer has used the transfer portal sparingly but wisely. For 2025–26, the Blue Devils added a veteran sharpshooter from the Big Ten who will bring elite spacing to their offense. Rather than stacking the roster with mercenaries, Duke targets specific needs and prioritizes fit.

This hybrid approach—recruiting elite freshmen while sprinkling in experienced transfers—has positioned Duke as one of the most balanced programs in the country.

The 2025–26 schedule is loaded with challenges, as Duke has non-conference matchups against Kansas and Gonzaga, in addition to the always-grueling ACC slate. The conference itself is undergoing a resurgence, with North Carolina, Miami, and Virginia all reloading.

But Duke won’t shy away from the pressure. In fact, they’re embracing it.

Scheyer has emphasized the importance of a difficult schedule to prepare the team for March. “We want to be tested early,” he said during the Blue Devils’ media day. “The best way to build a championship team is to compete against the best.”

With a roster this loaded and expectations this high, many fans and analysts are calling 2025–26 a “Final Four or bust” season for Scheyer and the Blue Devils. But within the program, the message is slightly different.

“It’s not about hype,” said senior guard Tyrese Proctor. “It’s about doing the work. Every practice. Every film session. Every game. If we stick together, the results will speak for themselves.”

Still, the dream is there. Duke hasn’t won a national championship since 2015, and for a program of its stature, that’s starting to feel like a drought. With Cooper Flagg leading the way, and a well-rounded supporting cast, this season may be the best chance yet for Jon Scheyer to bring a banner to Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Beyond wins and losses, the 2025–26 season represents an opportunity for Jon Scheyer to fully step out of Coach K’s shadow and cement his own legacy. By building a program that respects tradition while embracing innovation, Scheyer is positioning Duke not just for short-term success but for long-term sustainability.

His ability to relate to players, adapt to the modern game, and maintain Duke’s elite brand has won over fans and recruits alike. The excitement around this team is real—and it’s a testament to how far the program has come in just a few years.

Of course, no season is guaranteed. Injuries, egos, or growing pains could derail the dream. And integrating freshmen with such high expectations always comes with risk. The pressure will be intense, and every opposing arena will treat Duke as the measuring stick.

But the Blue Devils aren’t backing down. They’ve seen the film, felt the momentum, and heard the noise. Now they’re ready to show they deserve it.

Jon Scheyer’s journey from national champion point guard to head coach of the Duke Blue Devils has come full circle. Now, with the tools, talent, and tenacity to chase a championship, Scheyer and his team are poised to turn potential into reality.

The 2025–26 campaign won’t just be Duke’s most thrilling season under Scheyer—it may very well be a return to national dominance for a program that has redefined greatness in college basketball.