DUKE’S ROSTER REVEALED: The Most Dominant Team in the ACC?
As the 2025–2026 season approaches, the Duke Blue Devils are poised to take the college basketball world by storm, with a roster that blends experienced returning players and some of the most exciting young talent in the nation.
Head coach Jon Scheyer is entering his fourth season at the helm, and with several key players returning and an exceptional 2025 recruiting class, the Blue Devils look ready to reestablish themselves as the undisputed powerhouse of the ACC—and possibly all of college basketball.
Duke’s offseason started with a major loss as phenom Cooper Flagg declared for the NBA Draft after a sensational freshman year. Many programs would have struggled to recover from the departure of such a transcendent talent, but not Duke. Scheyer and his staff immediately got to work, landing the No. 1 recruiting class in the country and making aggressive moves in the transfer portal.
Leading the new wave is Jaylen Harrell, a 6’8” five-star forward ranked No. 2 nationally. Harrell is already being projected as a top-three pick in the 2026 NBA Draft thanks to his two-way dominance—he’s a high-flying scorer with elite shot-making ability and the motor to anchor a defense. He’ll be joined by Micah Simmons, an electric 6’2” point guard out of Chicago known for his speed, passing, and fearless playmaking. Simmons is expected to start from day one and is already drawing comparisons to former Duke great Tyus Jones for his poise and leadership.
But what truly sets this Duke team apart is the returning core and transfer depth. Markus Tate, a sophomore guard who showed flashes of brilliance last season, returns stronger and more confident. Jackson Blair, a junior forward known for his hustle and versatility, provides leadership and glue-guy energy that every championship team needs. Their presence gives Duke a rare mix of continuity and star power.
In the transfer portal, Duke scored major wins with three key additions:
Caleb Johnson, a 6’4” sharpshooter from Utah who hit over 40% of his threes last season.
Malik Rodgers, a 6’10” stretch big from Texas Tech who adds size, rebounding, and the ability to stretch the floor.
Jamari Williams, a 6’6” wing from UConn with deep tournament experience and a gritty defensive mindset.
Scheyer spoke confidently during media day, stating, “This is the deepest, most competitive group we’ve had. Every practice feels like a high-level game.” His tone echoed what many around the program are already sensing—this Duke team isn’t just good; it could be special.
Analysts have already pegged the Blue Devils as preseason favorites in the ACC, and many national polls have them firmly in the top five. The balance of youth and experience, scoring and defense, star power and chemistry, is a blueprint for March success.
As the season draws near, the excitement in Durham is palpable. Cameron Indoor Stadium is expected to be louder than ever, and the target on Duke’s back is only growing. But if Scheyer’s revamped roster performs as expected, it won’t be long before the Blue Devils are cutting down nets again.
The question isn’t whether Duke is back—it’s whether anyone in the ACC can stop them.
