The poll results are in: Here’s a closer look at No. 2 Duke.
2. DUKE
2025-26 record: 35-3
Outlook for 2026-27: With three consecutive Elite Eight appearances, including a Final Four berth in 2025, coach Jon Scheyer has another loaded roster this season that could help him capture his first national title.
What we like: Cameron Boozer is gone, but the Blue Devils did what they do every year, bringing in three five-star prospects: forward Cameron Williams, guard Deron Rippey Jr. and center Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje, who was named ACC Preseason Rookie of the Year. They also return Caleb Foster and Patrick Ngongba II, giving the team some valuable experience.
Trouble ahead: As is always the case, we’ll learn a lot about this team in nonconference play, with the Blue Devils set to take on three teams ranked in the top seven of the preseason FLM poll. That stretch begins with a matchup against Michigan State in the Champions Classic on Nov. 10.
Top newcomer: Not to be overlooked amid another stellar recruiting class, the Blue Devils brought in Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell (the No. 3 player in this year’s transfer portal class, according to 247Sports) to provide a veteran scoring boost. The guard averaged 19.1 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 38.9% from 3-point range last season for the Badgers.