Duke Mastered the Transfer Portal—And the ACC Is on Alert
The Duke Blue Devils are back—and in a big way. Under the leadership of head coach Jon Scheyer, the storied basketball program is entering a new era with momentum, confidence, and a roster built to win now. As the 2025–26 college basketball season approaches, there’s a renewed sense of urgency and excitement in Durham, and much of that buzz is thanks to how effectively Duke played the transfer portal.
When star guard Otega Oweh announced his decision to enter the NBA Draft, it left a noticeable hole in the Blue Devils’ lineup. Oweh was a driving force on both ends of the court—an explosive scorer, tenacious defender, and vocal leader. Replacing that kind of impact isn’t easy. But rather than dwell on the loss, Duke went to work—and the results have been nothing short of remarkable.
Scheyer and his staff moved quickly and decisively, treating the portal like a war room. They identified not just top talent, but the right fits for Duke’s system—players with experience, maturity, and the hunger to compete at the highest level. The result? A stacked incoming class featuring a mix of proven veterans and rising stars who are ready to make an immediate impact.
Headlining the group are transfers from top programs across the country—players who have already proven themselves in high-pressure environments. They bring with them not just stats, but poise, leadership, and a deep understanding of the college game. Combined with a strong crop of incoming freshmen, this new-look Duke squad is perhaps the most balanced and dynamic team Scheyer has assembled since taking the reins from Coach K.
What stands out about this team isn’t just the talent—it’s the versatility. With depth at every position, Duke now has the ability to run a variety of lineups, push the tempo, clamp down defensively, and stretch the floor offensively. From elite shooters to athletic wings and dominant bigs, the roster is built to adapt to any opponent. And with Scheyer’s evolving style—blending old-school Duke discipline with modern offensive creativity—this team could be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
The rest of the ACC is certainly paying attention. Programs like UNC, Virginia, and Miami are all feeling the pressure to match Duke’s aggressive approach in the portal. In today’s college basketball landscape, where roster turnover is constant and adaptability is key, Duke’s strategy looks ahead of the curve. They’ve embraced the chaos—and turned it into a competitive advantage.
For Blue Devil fans, the message is clear: Duke is not just reloading—they’re building to dominate. The 2025–26 season is shaping up to be a thrilling ride, and with a roster full of talent and a coach who’s growing into his own, the road to the Final Four may very well run through Durham.
