Sweet Science Sports | 2026–27 College Basketball Preview
Duke enters the 2026–27 season with another championship-caliber roster and expectations of returning to the Final Four.
Following a 35–3 campaign that ended with a one-point loss to UConn in the Elite Eight, Jon Scheyer begins his fifth season determined to turn another talented team into a national champion.
The Blue Devils open the S³ Preseason Top 25 at No. 2.
Blackwell Provides Experience
Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell arrives as one of Duke's most important veteran contributors.
His scoring ability, physicality and experience make him our preseason selection as Duke's best player.
Dame Sarr returns with an opportunity to expand his offensive responsibilities, while Patrick Ngongba II provides an important presence around the basket.
The roster also features talented young players, including Cayden Boozer, Deron Rippey Jr. and Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje.
Boumtje Boumtje enters college as the ACC Preseason Rookie of the Year.
The question is whether Scheyer can develop dependable scoring and chemistry around his young rotation.
Duke Starts With a Dominant Victory
The Blue Devils opened the season with an 84–50 victory over Army on November 2.
Sarr led Duke with 16 points, while Boumtje Boumtje added 15.
Duke forced 24 turnovers and controlled the interior.
But the Blue Devils shot just 4-for-22 from three-point range.
Perimeter consistency will be critical against the nation's strongest teams.
Ten Games Against AP Top 25 Opponents
| Opponent | AP Rank | Games |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | #1 | 1 |
| Illinois | #3 | 1 |
| UConn | #4 | 1 |
| Michigan State | #6 | 1 |
| Virginia | #9 | 2 |
| Louisville | #11 | 1 |
| Miami | #14 | 1 |
| Gonzaga | #15 | 1 |
| Texas Tech | #19 | 1 |
| Total | 10 |
Average Ranked Opponent: No. 9.1
Duke has one of the strongest schedules in our entire countdown.
The Blue Devils face Michigan State, Illinois, UConn and Florida before December 2.
Those games will reveal whether Duke's young roster is prepared for elite competition.
Can Duke Win the ACC?
Yes. Duke is our preseason conference favorite.
The Blue Devils received 45 of 48 first-place votes in the ACC preseason media poll.
Virginia, Louisville and Miami are legitimate challengers, but Duke possesses the talent and coaching to defend its conference championship.
S³ Season Projection
| Category | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Proposed Record | 28–4 |
| ACC Record | 17–1 |
| Best Player | John Blackwell |
| Biggest X-Factor | Dame Sarr |
| Ranked Games | 10 |
| Average Ranked Opponent | #9.1 |
| ACC Championship | Favorite |
| Expected NCAA Finish | Final Four |
| Tournament Ceiling | National Champion |
| Possible Downside | Elite Eight |
| Further Downside | Sweet 16 |
S³ Final Word
Duke has enough talent to win the national championship.
But talent has not always translated into finishing the season with a title.
The Blue Devils have an experienced offensive weapon in Blackwell, a promising returning wing in Sarr and one of the nation's most talented freshman classes.
Their biggest challenge will be developing consistency against an exceptionally difficult schedule.
S³ projects Duke to finish 28–4 and return to the Final Four.
A national championship is within reach, but Duke must prove it can finish the job.
S³ Prediction: 28–4 | Final Four | National Championship Ceiling.
Rank the team, not the reputation.
