Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Steering Clear of Cupcakes for Season Opener

The Duke basketball program is reportedly working out the details to play an SEC squad in Charlotte.
Matt Giles|
Duke basketball center Patrick Ngongba II
Duke basketball center Patrick Ngongba II | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

In this story:

Duke Blue Devils

Rosters aren't fully constructed yet. Even so, there's no denying that the 2025-26 Duke basketball non-conference slate is shaping up to be rather daunting.

ALSO READ: Combine Invites Put Duke Roster Construction in Odd State

On Friday, national college basketball insider Jon Rothstein reported that "Duke and Texas are finalizing an agreement to meet on Nov. 4 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte." The matchup would be the season opener for both programs.

Later in November, the 2025-26 Blue Devils will face Kansas as part of the annual Champions Classic, this time in New York City's Madison Square Garden on Nov. 18, before squaring off against Arkansas in the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic in Chicago's United Center on Nov. 27.

Plus, the reloaded Duke basketball collection, Jon Scheyer's fourth team, is set to battle Michigan State in a true road game in December and will likely play another ranked squad as part of the ACC/SEC Challenge. That's not to mention a true road test against Army on Nov. 11.

And the Blue Devils will wrap up their non-conference slate with a big-time February showdown against Michigan in Washington, D.C.

Stay tuned to Duke Blue Devils On SI for more Duke basketball schedule news.

Published
Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

Share on XFollow MattGilesBD
Home/Basketball