Duke Basketball’s Top 12 Games to Watch in 2025–26

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.
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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)
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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.