How Duke Finally Got Involved in Exclusive Conversation

Duke is finally getting the respect it deserves after Saturday's win.

Jan 31, 2026; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer watches his team against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the second half against Virginia Tech Hokies at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images | Brian Bishop-Imagn Images

The Duke Blue Devils (25-2, 13-1 ACC) seemed to constantly fall under the radar of true national championship heavyweight contenders despite boasting one of the best overall resumes in college basketball. That all changed on Saturday night.

Duke took down then-No. 1 Michigan 68-63 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. to ink what is likely the best win of the entire 2025-26 college hoops season. Entering Saturday's bout, the Wolverines were winners of 11 in a row, most recently defeating Purdue 91-80 at Mackey Arena on Tuesday night.

Feb 16, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) interacts with his teammates during the during the first half against the Syracuse Orange at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images | Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

At times this season, Michigan has looked like one of the most dominant teams in recent memory. It has taken down 10 opponents by 30 points or more and is averaging about 90 points per game.

The Blue Devils held the Wolverines to just 63 points, their lowest point total all season and just the second time Michigan has been held to under 70 points.

Feb 10, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Caleb Foster (1) dribbles the ball against Pittsburgh Panthers guard Omari Witherspoon (8) during the first half at Petersen Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Michigan entered the contest as the No. 1 team in both the NCAA NET Rankings and at KenPom, and Duke just proved it can beat any team in college basketball. The Blue Devils are now 9-2 against AP Top 25 opponents this season, more wins over ranked teams than any other team in the sport.

Feb 7, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Isaiah Evans (3) with the ball as North Carolina Tar Heels forward Jarin Stevenson (15) defends in the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Duke Gets Seat at Table of Elites Following Win Over Michigan

Despite the Blue Devils owning one of the best bodies of work in the sport this season, they constantly flew under the radar in terms of true national title favorites. Duke now boasts a neutral floor victory over arguably the best team in the country.

ESPN's Jeff Borzello thinks this is finally the time for Duke to enter the national title favorite discussions.

"Duke is as good as any team in college basketball," Borzello said. "While its record and ranking already reflected that, it hadn't really yet been considered among the top of the national championship contenders this season."

"Michigan, Arizona, UConn (at times) and Houston (more recently) have all been in that conversation. Now, Duke is too, placing the Blue Devils squarely in the mix to earn the No. 1 overall seed on Selection Sunday."

Feb 10, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) exits the court after defeating the Pittsburgh Panthers at Petersen Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Is Duke the Best Team in College Basketball?

Duke is still No. 2, behind Michigan, in the NET, with a 12-2 record in Quadrant 1, a 16-2 record in the first two quadrants, and a 4-1 record at neutral sites this season. The Blue Devils assuredly have the best resume in college basketball, but are they the best team?

What Duke proved on Saturday is that no one is safe. Michigan looked unbeatable at times, and the Blue Devils came into a neutral floor and controlled the game for almost the entirety of the way.

Feb 16, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Cayden Boozer (2) makes a call during the second half against the Syracuse Orange at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images | Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

At this point in the season, there's no clear-cut best team in the country. But Duke just showed the nation it is as good as any other squad.

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