Jon Scheyer is constructing a rigorous 2025–26 schedule for Duke basketball, with no intention of taking it easy during the regular season. The Blue Devils have already lined up six marquee non-conference matchups, including neutral-site games against Texas (Charlotte), Kansas (New York), Arkansas (Chicago), and Michigan (Washington, D.C.), plus a road trip to Michigan State and a likely ACC vs. SEC Challenge away game. Duke will also face Army on the road for Veteran’s Day as part of a three-year series.
This aggressive scheduling approach comes as the ACC considers trimming its conference schedule from 20 to 18 games. With the league underperforming last season—only four teams made the NCAA Tournament—conference leaders are exploring ways to boost postseason résumés by encouraging teams to schedule more high-profile non-conference games.
Though Duke’s national profile already ensures strong tournament consideration, Scheyer is clearly embracing the shift. With six major games already on the slate and a possible home-and-home series in the works, he appears to be preparing for the anticipated schedule change.
If ACC presidents and athletic directors approve the proposal during their May meeting, it would take effect for the 2025–26 season. With a maximum of 31 regular-season games allowed, an 18-game ACC schedule would leave room for 13 non-conference games.
Duke already played five major non-conference games last season along with six lower-tier “buy games.” Scheyer’s plan to play Michigan midseason mirrors the success of February’s Madison Square Garden matchup against Illinois, suggesting he aims to keep building the program’s national exposure.
While nothing is finalized yet, all signs point to a tougher, more nationally focused schedule for Duke—one that could better prepare the Blue Devils for March Madness.
