 Duke Basketball’s Top 12 Games to Watch in 2025–26 Every new Duke basketball season brings its own buzz, but the 2025–26 slate might be one of the most stacked in recent memory. Between marquee non-conference showdowns, ACC grudge matches, and the always-electric rivalry with North Carolina, this year’s schedule is loaded with can’t-miss games. I originally set out to narrow things down to a “Top 10,” but once the list came together, I couldn’t cut it off there — too many big ones. So here are the Top 12 Duke Games to Circle This Season. 1. Duke vs. Texas (November 4 – Charlotte, NC) The season tips off in Charlotte with a heavyweight battle against Texas. It’s a statement game right out of the gate — a chance for Duke to set the tone against a physical Big 12 opponent in front of what will most certainly be a pro-Blue Devil crowd. 2. Duke vs. Kansas – Champions Classic (November 18 – Madison Square Garden, NY) MSG + Duke + Kansas = college basketball at its finest. The Champions Classic always delivers, and the Blue Devils and Jayhawks have already built a strong history in this event. Bill Self’s teams always bring toughness, and Duke-Kansas matchups have produced instant classics over the years — from early-season battles to NCAA Tournament thrillers. This one should be no different. #3 Duke vs. Arkansas – CBS Sports Classic (November 27 – Chicago, IL) Thanksgiving Day hoops in the Windy City! When you need a break from all the NFL action, Duke-Arkansas is the perfect holiday reset. With John Calipari now steering the Razorbacks, this isn’t just another neutral-site game — it’s a marquee showdown with plenty of intrigue, served up as a tasty side dish to your Turkey Day feast. 4. Duke vs. Florida (December 2 – Cameron Indoor Stadium) The defending national champions come to Durham. Cameron Indoor will be rocking as Duke gets a chance to measure itself against the champs early in December. Many of us had this exact matchup penciled in on our brackets for the 2025 national championship game, but it never came to be — making this clash in Cameron feel even bigger. 5. Duke at Michigan State (December 6 - East Lansing, MI) Just four days after their clash with Florida, Duke heads back on the road for another heavyweight battle—this time against Michigan State at the always-intimidating Breslin Center. The Spartans, fresh off an Elite Eight run, are led by Hall of Fame coach Tom Izzo, whose teams are notorious for their physical play and rebounding edge. Add in the raucous East Lansing crowd, and this early-December showdown has all the makings of a statement game. 6. Duke vs. Texas Tech (December 20 – Madison Square Garden, NY) Back to MSG for another marquee matchup, this time against Texas Tech. By late December, this game could carry big momentum heading into ACC play. 7. Duke at Louisville (January 6 – Louisville, KY) Kicking off the new year with an ACC road battle, the Yum! Center is sure to be rocking. This could be a potential Top 10 or Top 25 ACC matchup, and with a mix of talented transfers, promising freshmen, and a healthy frontcourt back in action, the Cardinals will be fired up to take their shot at Duke in front of a raucous home crowd. 8. Duke vs. Louisville (January 26 – Cameron Indoor Stadium) Back in Cameron for the rematch, and the Cameron Crazies will be on their A-game. This could be another potential Top 10 or Top 25 ACC showdown, with Duke looking to assert itself against a Cardinals team that has reloaded with transfers and promising young talent. Expect intensity, passion, and classic Cameron chaos as the Blue Devils defend their court. 9. Duke at Virginia Tech (January 31 – Blacksburg, VA) Cassell Coliseum — possibly a Saturday night game — that’s ACC basketball at its best. Duke has had some electric games here, wins and losses, in what will surely be a rowdy environment. Expect a tough, gritty battle as the Hokie fans bring the noise and the Blue Devils bring their intensity on the road. 10. Duke at North Carolina (February 7 – Dean Dome, Chapel Hill, NC) No explanation needed. Duke-UNC, the biggest rivalry in all of sports just 8 miles down Tobacco Road, is always one of the season’s marquee matchups at the Dean Dome. From Austin Rivers’ unforgettable buzzer-beater to classic overtime thrillers, this venue has hosted some of the wildest moments in college basketball — and you can bet this one will bring more. 11. Duke vs. Michigan (February 21 – Washington, D.C.) A standout non-conference clash right in the heart of ACC play. With Duke taking on a talented Michigan squad in front of a packed Capital One Arena, expect high-level intensity, fast-paced action, and a true neutral-site showdown that could steal the spotlight from the regular conference grind. 12. Duke vs. North Carolina (March 7 – Cameron Indoor Stadium) The regular-season finale back at Cameron against UNC — Senior Day, rivalry, and all the pageantry you can imagine. Expect pure madness, with the Cameron Crazies on full display and ESPN College GameDay likely in attendance to capture every electric moment. Final Thoughts From a loaded November to rivalry weekend in March, this Duke schedule has everything you could ask for: neutral-site blockbusters, ACC road wars, and possibly multiple top-10 matchups. In fact, Duke will play 12 of its 31 games against teams who made the 2025 NCAA Tournament—including Louisville (twice), North Carolina (twice), Michigan, Michigan State, Florida, Texas Tech, Kansas, Arkansas, Texas, and Clemson. Whether you’re watching in Cameron, on the road, or on TV, this season promises to deliver nonstop storylines. One thing’s for sure: if these 12 games are any indication, the 2025–26 season will be a ride for Duke fans. 
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 It’s a marquee ACC showdown this Saturday as Duke welcomes undefeated No. 12 Georgia Tech to Wallace Wade Stadium for a high-stakes noon kickoff on ESPN. With both teams unbeaten in conference play, this matchup carries serious ACC Championship implications. Quick Thoughts Georgia Tech rolls in at 6–0 after a 35–20 win over Virginia Tech, looking every bit like a playoff dark horse. The Yellow Jackets have proven resilient—surviving an overtime battle at Wake Forest and winning on a 55-yard walk-off field goal against Clemson. They’ve shown they can weather storms, home or away. Duke, meanwhile, sits at 4–2 (3–0 ACC), coming off a bye week and a dominant 45–21 “ACC After Dark” victory over Cal. The Blue Devils’ offense is red-hot, posting 45, 38, and 45 points in their last three games. With extra rest and home-field advantage, Duke is poised to take its biggest swing of the season. This isn’t just another game—it’s a gut check. Duke has looked explosive, but Georgia Tech is the best team they’ve faced yet. A win keeps the path to Charlotte wide open. A loss makes the road far more complicated. Why It Matters The ACC is suddenly loaded with contenders—five teams still undefeated in league play. Every Saturday feels like reshuffling the deck. And in a league this crowded, one result can change everything. This game also features a must-see quarterback showdown: Haynes King vs. Darian Mensah. Both are having standout seasons and can take over a game. Get your popcorn ready. Final Prediction
FanDuel has Duke as a slight 1.5-point favorite with a total of 60.5, signaling expectations of a high-scoring battle. Duke’s advantages? Extra rest, strong turnover margin, and home-field edge. If the Blue Devils can contain Haynes King just enough and finish drives in the red zone, they’ll have every opportunity to close this one out. Expect a physical, down-to-the-wire fight—but I’m taking Duke to protect their house and stay perfect in ACC play. Duke 31 Georgia Tech 24  It’s not every year that the favorites make the Final Four… oh wait, last year all four No. 1 seeds did (still wild to say). For the record, that’s only happened twice in NCAA Tournament history—2008 and 2025. That’s exactly why simply rolling with the preseason betting favorites--
Purdue (+900), Houston (+1000), Duke (+1100), and UConn (+1400)-- feels a little too safe… and honestly, a little boring. With that in mind, here are my Duke Report preseason Final Four picks. I didn’t just follow the top of the odds board. I picked four teams that genuinely have the right mix of coaching, momentum, talent—and yeah, maybe a sprinkle of March Madness luck—to make a real run. My Preseason Final Four Picks 🟥 St. John’s (+1900) Rick Pitino is quietly (or not so quietly) building something serious in Queens. Year three with his system, roster upgrades, and that Pitino-in-March energy? Don’t be surprised if the Red Storm are still standing in April. 〽️ Michigan (+1900) They hit the Sweet 16 last year, and that felt like the beginning, not the end. Returning pieces and rising confidence give Michigan the DNA of a team ready to level up. 🔴 Texas Tech (+2000) An Elite Eight run last season shows what this team is capable of. Physical, disciplined, and defensively sound—everything that thrives in March. If their offense clicks, watch out. 🔵 Duke (+1100) Call it bias—I call it belief. Duke has all the pieces not only to get back to the Final Four but to take a real swing at banner No. 6. Why St. John’s Can Do It At 73, it just feels like Rick Pitino is going for it all with nothing to lose. St. John’s is finally built for a deep March run, and you can feel it. Pitino’s got this team defending, rebounding, and now adding real scoring firepower with big-time transfers like Ian Jackson and Bryce Hopkins. Coming off a Big East title and playing with swagger, the Red Storm have the momentum, toughness, and coach to crash the 2026 Final Four party. Why Michigan Can Do It Michigan is quietly building a Final Four-ready roster, led by superstar transfer Yaxel Lendeborg, who brings elite scoring, rebounding, and defensive versatility. With Elliot Cadeau running point and a revamped frontcourt featuring Aday Mara and Morez Johnson, the Wolverines have the size, athleticism, and depth to battle anyone in March. After a Sweet Sixteen run and a Big Ten title under Dusty May, this team isn’t rebuilding—it’s reloading for a shot at cutting down the nets in Indianapolis. Why Texas Tech Can Do It Texas Tech is primed for a deep March run in 2026, led by All-American forward JT Toppin, who averaged 18.2 points and 9.4 rebounds last season and opted to return for his junior year. With sharpshooter Donovan Atwell joining the squad, the Red Raiders now have the scoring firepower to complement their trademark defense. Under head coach Grant McCasland, Texas Tech has the coaching skill and roster depth to make a serious Final Four push. Why Duke Can Do It With Isaiah Evans and Caleb Foster returning, plus the arrival of the Boozer twins and international standout Dame Sarr, this roster has star power and depth. Sarr has already impressed in practices and at Countdown—he’s the real deal. And speaking of tests, Duke’s monster schedule—already detailed here at Blue Devils Blog—has them facing two other of my Final Four picks on neutral courts:
Battle-tested won’t be a question. Duke will know exactly where it stands long before March. And let’s not forget the destiny-like vibes: the 2026 Final Four is in Indianapolis, a city Duke fans know well. Three of Duke’s five national titles came in Indy: 🏆 1991 🏆 2010 🏆 2015 History, talent, motivation—if the pieces click, Duke absolutely has another Final Four run in them. Final Thought These picks are for fun—if I truly knew the Final Four ahead of time, I’d be in Vegas or Cherokee right now filling out slips. …But let’s just say I might already have Duke on one anyway. 😉  We’re back with Week 7 bowl projections from Brian Kennedy of Duke Football Talk and myself, Freddie Hodges of Duke Report. Freddie Hodges – Duke Report Blue Devils Rolling Into the Bye Duke is riding serious momentum after back-to-back ACC road wins — capped by a furious comeback at Cal. Down 21–7 early, the Blue Devils locked in and never looked back, scoring 38 unanswered points to win 45–21 in a true ACC After Dark statement. I honestly thought this had “trap game” written all over it, but Duke responded with poise, balance, and a dominant finish on both sides of the ball. Now, the bye week couldn’t come at a better time — rest, recovery, and preparation for what's easily the biggest game of the season so far. Circle It: October 18th vs. #13 Georgia Tech After the bye, an undefeated #13 Georgia Tech (pending their matchup with Virginia Tech this week) comes to Wallace Wade for a high-stakes Noon kickoff. This isn’t just another ACC game — it’s a defining moment, a chance to take a major step toward the ACC Championship conversation. Key for Duke: avoid the early holes they've dug in recent weeks. Against a team like GT, you need 60 minutes of your best football. No slow starts. No chasing. Bring the A-game from snap one. Yes… the outcome of this game will absolutely impact these bowl projections. Around the ACC It was a wild weekend around the league:
My Bowl Projection I said last week: if Duke beat Cal, I'd finally change my bowl pick for the first time this season. With Duke now 4–2 and 3–0 in ACC play after a statement win out West… 👉 I’m projecting Duke to the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando, Florida. Warm weather. Great matchup potential. And honestly, a bowl every Duke fan (myself included) would be fired up for. But here’s the catch: To stay on the Pop-Tarts path, Duke has to keep winning. A loss to Georgia Tech in two weeks, and you're probably seeing me slide this projection back up North. How far? We’ll find out. Also — yes — Notre Dame needs to do its part and crash the CFP. Their grip on the ACC bowl structure? That rant is for another day. Rest. Refocus. Statement Time. So enjoy the bye, Duke. Heal up, lock in, and go make a statement against Georgia Tech at home.  Brian Kennedy - Duke Football Talk Duke fans, we have unofficially reached the halfway point of the season, and it has been quite a first few games. After starting 1-2 some (yes, myself included) were wondering if this was going to be a down year for the Blue Devils. But alas, the team and Manny Diaz have shown that the start to the season was merely a bump in the road, as they have won 3 straight since the Tulane loss. Last week's win in Berkeley felt like a game played from season past. Duke would get behind early, many people thought they were done, and then out of no where, Duke comes back in convincing fashion and wins the game. With last week's win, Duke also stays atop of the ACC standings with Virginia, and the BYE week before Georgia Tech is exactly what the doctor ordered. If Duke wins against the Yellow Jackets, they will be 4-0 in ACC play, and be in a good position heading into the end of October with their matchup in Death Valley against Clemson. Just throwing this out there Duke fans, if Duke can find a way to get wins in their next 2 games, they will have their best start in ACC play since 1994. Ok, no more talk about that because I don't want to bring on a Jamie jinx. Looking at bowl games and teams, this could be a hard year to pinpoint the Devils. I know I have mainly had them in Orlando for the Pop Tarts Bowl and Charlotte for the Duke's Mayo Bowl, but with the way things could fall in place, I have Duke moving yet again. Last year, Duke fans sweated out the bowl announcements as many were projecting Duke to go west to the Holiday Bowl. As much as it pains me to say this, I believe that the Holiday Bowl will want Duke after the good showing the fans made in Berkeley. So for this week (And I hope this doesn't come true) I have Duke heading to the Holiday Bowl.  We will be taking off next week due to Duke having a bye week.. but stay tuned — Brian and I will be updating projections right here at Blue Devils Blog after the Georgia Tech game. See you at Wallace Wade.   Quick Thoughts It’s ACC After Dark this Saturday as Duke heads out west for a late-night showdown at California Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is 10:30 PM ET, so get your coffee ready. The Golden Bears are 4–1, riding a strong start with their only loss coming in a blowout to San Diego State. The Blue Devils are 3–2 overall and 2–0 in the ACC, coming off a statement-making 38–3 win at Syracuse. That kind of performance gave Duke the spark it needed—but can they replicate it in a tough, cross-country road environment? This game is a true test: a long trip, a quality opponent, and a chance to keep momentum rolling. For Cal, beating Duke at home would be the kind of statement win that could define their season. Why This Game Matters This isn’t just another ACC game. It’s a clash with real weight. Duke wants to prove it can continue to carry momentum on the road, while Cal is looking to show it’s building something in year two of ACC play. Duke’s offense has been electric, averaging nearly 35 points per game, but their defense will need to step up against Cal’s balanced attack. The Golden Bears are led by freshman QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who’s already thrown for 1,200+ yards and 8 touchdowns in just five games. His poise and big-play ability make him one of the most exciting young QBs in the country. On the other side, Duke’s Darian Mensah is putting together a breakout season of his own with 1,573 yards and 13 touchdowns. With both offenses capable of lighting up the scoreboard, this one could be a shootout. For Duke, this feels like a season-defining moment. A cross-country ACC win under the lights would be huge. A loss? Well… it would raise questions about whether the Devils can hang at the top of the ACC standings. Final Prediction Oddsmakers have this one tight, with Duke as a slight road favorite and the total in the mid-50s—pointing to a back-and-forth, high-scoring affair. The key for Duke will be limiting Cal’s rushing game and putting pressure on Sagapolutele in passing situations. But Duke’s playmakers have shown they can flip momentum in a heartbeat, and that could be the difference in the fourth quarter. It won’t be easy, but I think Duke handles business on the West Coast and comes out with a solid win. Duke 38 California 21   We’re back with Week 6 bowl projections from Brian Kennedy of Duke Football Talk and myself, Freddie Hodges of Duke Report. Freddie Hodges – Duke Report Duke picked up a statement road win this past Saturday, knocking off Syracuse 38–3 in front of a sold-out JMA Wireless Dome. The Orange had just come off a convincing win at Clemson, but the Blue Devils never blinked. Nate Sheppard powered the offense with 168 yards on the ground, while the defense locked down Syracuse from start to finish. It was the kind of balanced, complete performance Duke fans have been waiting for—even after early setbacks against Tulane and Illinois, this team feels like it’s waking up. And at 2–0 in ACC play, things are definitely trending upward. Now comes the cross-country trip to face Cal in a late-night “ACC After Dark” showdown. East Coast fans, kickoff is at 10:30 PM—so stock up on caffeine. The Golden Bears are 4–1, led by freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who’s already topped 1,200 passing yards and 8 touchdowns in just five games. His poise and big-play flair have made him one of the nation’s most exciting young QBs. On the other side, Duke’s Darian Mensah is putting together a breakout season of his own with 1,573 yards and 13 touchdowns, giving the Blue Devils plenty of firepower. With both offenses capable of lighting up the scoreboard, this matchup has all the makings of a shootout. FanDuel lists Duke as a narrow 2.5-point favorite with the over/under set at 56.5. Around the ACC: Even though the Coastal Division is gone, “Coastal Chaos” is alive and well. Virginia stunned Florida State on Friday night to move to 4–1, Louisville took care of Pitt in a close one, Georgia Tech survived Wake Forest in overtime, and NC State stumbled against a Virginia Tech team still trying to find its footing after a midseason coaching change. My Bowl Projection: Call me stubborn, but for the sixth straight week—and since the start of the season—I’m sticking with the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Think of me like the guy who bought Apple stock years ago and refuses to sell (lol)—I’m holding steady. But here’s the deal: if Duke beats Cal on Saturday night (well, early Sunday morning), I promise I’ll finally change my projection. Stay tuned, because this team looks ready to make a statement. Now let’s get the win. Go Duke!  Brian Kennedy - Duke Football Talk Duke fans, it would appear that things are back on track. This past Saturday's game was the performance we have been waiting all season for as Duke handled Syracuse 38-3. The offense was clicking, the defense was winning in the trenches, and special teams performed when needed. With the win, Duke is now 2-0 in ACC play, and hitting all marks when it matters most. Duke is heading out west to play a Cal team who is on the verge of having their best start in 10 years. Some would say it is due to the opponents they have faced, but wins are all that matters at the end of the day. If Duke can get the job done after hours in Berkeley, things could get very interesting heading into the Georgia Tech game. Speaking of Tech, they are currently tied for first in the ACC with Virginia and Duke. This is exactly what everyone predicted would happen pre-season, right....RIGHT?!?!? All jokes aside, the ACC still appears to be wide open. That could change after this weekend with Virginia playing Louisville, and Miami playing FSU. More than likely we will get answers instead of questions, but with this being the year of Atlantic Coastal Chaos, who knows. As far as my bowl predictions, I am making a change. I am moving Duke but not for the reason you might think. While Duke did win, and move to 3-2 on the season, I am moving them out of Charlotte because of a certain team in South Carolina who has stumbled some. In the grand scheme of things, if it came down to say an 8-4 Duke team and an 8-4 Clemson team, the Tigers would most definitely be selected. Because of this factor, I am moving Duke to the land of Cameron North and the Pinstripe Bowl.  Stay tuned — Brian and I will be updating projections every week right here at Blue Devils Blog. See you at Wallace Wade.   The Jon Scheyer era of Duke Basketball charges into its fourth season with the 2025 Countdown to Craziness on October 3rd. More than just a preseason scrimmage, this annual event has become a high-energy showcase that blends music, pageantry, and tradition with the passion of the Cameron Crazies. Since its debut in 2009, Countdown to Craziness (CTC) has grown into one of the signature nights on Duke’s basketball calendar. From dramatic curtain drops to championship banner raisings, from unforgettable player intros to moments of pure emotion, the event has provided memories that still echo inside Cameron Indoor Stadium. I’ve been lucky enough to attend every CTC, except for the last two in 2023 and 2024, as well as the 2008 Blue-White Scrimmage that set the stage. Each year has offered something unique. Here’s a look back at the highlights. 2008: The Prelude The year before CTC officially launched, Duke’s Blue-White Scrimmage brought plenty of excitement. Gerald Henderson, Kyle Singler, and Jon Scheyer powered the White team to a decisive victory in the first game, while Nolan Smith led the Blue squad to a win in the second. What made the night stand out, though, was a crossover moment: first-year football coach David Cutcliffe led his team into Cameron for a ceremonial handshake with Coach K and the basketball squad. It was a powerful symbol of unity, foreshadowing the rise of Duke football under Cutcliffe. 2009: The Dawn of Countdown to Craziness Duke elevated its annual scrimmage into something far more. The first Countdown to Craziness began in Krzyzewskiville with live music, games, and face painting before fans even stepped inside. Once the doors opened, Cameron buzzed with contests, video presentations, and the debut of the team poster. The dunk contest quickly became a crowd favorite at that time, with jaw-dropping slams that had the crowd on its feet. It was clear from night one—CTC wasn’t just a basketball event; it was a celebration. 2010: A Banner Year  Photo via Duke Basketball Few moments compare to seeing a national championship banner raised inside Cameron Indoor. In 2010, Duke lifted its fourth, capping the magical run of the previous season. The roar was deafening. That night also gave us Kyrie Irving’s unforgettable dunk contest moment, when he threw down a slam so spectacular that judge Jason Williams nearly fell out of his seat. I captured it on video, and it has since racked up more than 463,000 views on YouTube—thrilling fans from Duke to the NBA. 2011: The Spectacular Banner Reveal  The signature moment of 2011 was the dramatic unveiling of the “Duke Basketball Never Stops” banner. Starting mid-court, staff sprinted to stretch it across the entire floor as the crowd erupted. The spectacle was pure energy, and it remains one of my all-time favorite CTC memories. I even bought a canvas wrap of the scene, which still hangs in my home today. 2012: Behind the Curtain  This year brought another innovation: a massive white curtain stretching from ceiling to floor, decorated with Duke players and program highlights. After the intros concluded, the curtain dropped and the team stormed out, sending Cameron into a frenzy. 2013: Coach K Court Comes to Life  For the first time, Duke turned the hardwood itself into a giant video screen. Player introductions and highlights played across Coach K Court, creating a surreal and futuristic effect that had fans talking long after the event ended.  2014: Surprise Entrances  The biggest surprise came when players emerged from the upper-level entrances of Cameron instead of the court tunnel, sending fans spinning in every direction to catch a glimpse of their favorite Blue Devils making grand entrances. The video footage on the court, which highlighted the four national championship banners, added to the excitement and made the event truly unforgettable. 2015: DE5TINY  A moment of destiny: Duke raised its fifth national championship banner into the rafters, a proud and emotional moment for players, coaches, and fans alike. Coach K Court again lit up with graphics and the team poster, but the night was defined by the banner ceremony.  2016: Lights, Horns, and Bottle Flips  Just when it seemed like CTC couldn’t top itself, the intros featured glow-in-the-dark Blue Devil horns given to fans. When the lights went out, Cameron lit up in a dazzling display. Then came Chase Jeter’s viral moment—he nailed a perfect bottle flip during his intro, sending players and fans into chaos. 2017: Everytime We Touch  The horns returned, but Grayson Allen stole the night. The senior entered to Cascada’s “Everytime We Touch,” a Cameron anthem, and the Crazies responded with deafening energy. The moment captured everything CTC is about: tradition, hype, and pure fun. 2018: The Zion Effect  In 2018, one of the standout moments was Duke Basketball’s use of a four-sided jumbo curtain at center court, reminiscent of the 2012 setup. The curtain showcased impressive images of players, coaches, and memorable Duke Basketball highlights. The other highlight was the ‘Zion Effect.’ Zion Williamson led the White team to victory over the Blue team, finishing with 7-of-11 shooting and five highlight-reel dunks. Fans got a thrilling preview of a season where Zion consistently wowed with his gravity-defying plays.  2019: Brotherhood on Display  The four-sided curtain returned, this time branded with “The Brotherhood.” Legendary Duke voices echoed with statements like “Once a Blue Devil, always a Blue Devil,” before shifting to the current roster. The most emotional moment came when Tre Jones introduced his mother, Debbie, to the crowd. Having triumphed over cancer earlier that year, her presence was deeply meaningful to the Duke family. 2021: Coach K’s Last Ride  After a year without fans due to the pandemic, Cameron roared back to life for Coach K’s farewell season. The curtain chronicled his legendary career, but the moment that defined the night was simpler: the Crazies singing “Everytime We Touch” together, celebrating not just Coach K, but being back together inside Cameron. 2022: A New Era Begins  Jon Scheyer took the reins as head coach, introduced to thunderous applause. The event featured the drop-down curtain once more, showcasing a dynamic array of graphics that included iconic plays, Coach K, the Blue Devil, and current players, tying together Duke’s past, present, and future. The most talked-about moment was Stanley Borden’s introduction. Wearing a trench coat, he revealed a saxophone and played ‘Careless Whisper’ to the delight of the crowd. Scheyer closed the night with a message to the Crazies: ‘We’re in this together'.   2023: A Fresh Twist This year marked the first Countdown to Craziness I couldn’t attend in person. Fortunately, my buddy, an OG Duke fan we call ‘Show,’ filled me in on the highlights. Check out his Duke Blue Brotherhood message board for diehard fan insights dating back to the pre-Coach K era: Duke Blue Brotherhood. One standout change was the team introduction, which used a four-curtain format at each corner of the court. Despite the new setup, the family atmosphere remained, with Show’s daughter even getting to high-five players as they exited Cameron Indoor Stadium—another example of what makes CTC so memorable. 2024: The Cooper Flagg Showcase  Photo via Duke Basketball I missed my second CTC in person in 2024, but watching online didn’t disappoint. The player introductions were shuffled again, with Coach K Court glowing under several Duke Basketball logos. Players made their dramatic entrance via a ramp from one of the baselines, keeping fans on their toes. Stanley Borden returned with his musical flair, this time delivering a keyboard rendition of “Clarity.” Meanwhile, Cooper Flagg lived up to the hype, dazzling with his playmaking and setting the tone for what became a memorable Final Four season for Duke Basketball. 2025 and Beyond If history has taught us anything, it’s that Countdown to Craziness will always find a way to surprise. Whether through championship banners, jaw-dropping dunks, or emotional tributes, the event captures the magic of Duke Basketball year after year. As the Blue Devils enter another season under Jon Scheyer, the anticipation for this year’s Countdown is already building. One thing is certain: Cameron Indoor Stadium will once again be buzzing, as the Cameron Crazies help usher in a new season of Duke Basketball.  We’re back with Week 5 bowl projections from Brian Kennedy of Duke Football Talk and myself, Freddie Hodges of Duke Report. Freddie Hodges – Duke Report Duke got back in the win column this past Saturday at Wallace Wade, taking down NC State 45–33. This one was a roller coaster. The Blue Devils trailed 20–7 before exploding for three touchdowns in just 3:50 of game time, spanning the end of the second quarter and the start of the third. It wasn’t always pretty, but a win is a win—and now Duke sits at 2–2, turning the page with some much-needed momentum. Next up: a road trip to New York to face Syracuse in a noon kickoff. The Orange will be without starting QB Steve Angeli, but the Dome will still be rocking. Syracuse has sold out the JMA Wireless Dome, and FanDuel currently has Duke as a 5.5-point favorite. If the Blue Devils want to keep the good vibes rolling, they’ll need to bring their A-game against a fired-up home crowd. Around the ACC, Clemson took another hit—this time falling to Syracuse. A team many (myself included) penciled into the playoff or even the title game now looks far from that level. Meanwhile, Louisville, Georgia Tech, Miami, and Florida State stayed unbeaten, and Cal and the Calgorithm finally came back to earth after a hot 3–0 start. As for my bowl projection… call me stubborn, but for the fifth straight week I’m sticking with the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Until Duke strings together a few more wins, I’m holding steady like an investor who never sells. If the Blue Devils keep building, I may finally move them up in my projections—but for now, all eyes are on Syracuse. Brian Kennedy - Duke Football Talk Well Duke fans, I step away for a week—and the team gets back on track. Should I just stay on a cruise ship until the season ends? No seriously, I wouldn't mind that at all. All jokes aside, what a performance by Duke against NC State. While the start was far from perfect getting down 20-7 early, the team made the necessary adjustments and delivered when it mattered most. Offense, defense, and special teams all stepped up and executed across the board. With their win, it is the first time since 1983-1985 that Duke has won 3 straight against the Wolfpack. This week, Duke hits the road for the first time since Tulane, facing a Syracuse squad that’s missing a key weapon in quarterback Steve Angeli. Even with that in mind, Duke should be able to notch their second straight win and remain undefeated in ACC play. As for my bowl projection—I'm still keeping Duke in Charlotte for now in the Duke's Mayo Bowl. The ACC standings are shifting constantly, with teams moving up and down like weights on a rack. Miami and Florida State are clearly leading the pack, with Georgia Tech and Louisville not far behind. After that however, things are up for grabs, and the coming weeks could help clear things up. If Duke can string together wins against Syracuse and Cal next week, I might just have to move the bus to a new destination. Here's to another win in New York this weekend and GO DUKE! Stay tuned — Brian and I will be updating projections every week right here at Blue Devils Blog. See you at Wallace Wade.   Duke basketball held its annual Media Day yesterday, giving reporters a chance to hear from the coaches and players while also catching about 20 minutes of practice. With Countdown to Craziness set for next Friday, October 3rd, the 2025–26 season is right around the corner. Below are some videos and photos from Media Day—just a small preview of what’s to come. The college basketball season is almost here, and Duke basketball is ready to get things rolling! |
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